News release

September 14, 2004

PSAC wins: MDS Nordion guilty of unfair labour practice

Ottawa--The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) found MDS Nordion guilty of unfair labour practice during its contract negotiations with the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the union representing its employees.

“Management’s behaviour uselessly hindered contract negotiations and prevented the workers from getting the fair and equitable collective agreement they are entitled to” said PSAC National President, Nycole Turmel.

The CIRB agreed with the PSAC that MDS Nordion committed an unfair labour practice when it posted a series of Q&A's on its "Speak Up" website dealing with negotiations and participation in strike action. The website was unilaterally controlled by the Employer.

MDS Nordion posted and answered on its intranet site three questions presumably asked by employees, which related to benefits entitlement, employees' choice to work during a strike and the need to be represented by a bargaining agent.

The Board has ordered that

(a) the Employer immediately cease and desist from interfering with the union's representation rights;

(b) the employer withdraw from its Website the three questions that were the subject of the complaint; and

(c) the employer refrain from posting any further "speak up" questions on its website relating to negotiations on the union's or employer's position, unless the Union has agreed to their content.

Turmel said that she hopes the CIRB’s decision will bring a change of attitude from management regarding the relations with its employees.

“For many years, the MDS Nordion workers have to endure a confrontational approach to labour relations from management” Turmel said. “It’s time the management recognizes that the union is there to stay”

The PSAC currently awaits an arbitration decision regarding the collective agreement for Nordion’s employees.

-30-

For information: Alain Cossette, PSAC Communications (613) 560-4317

or cell no. (613) 293-9210

64-140904