SNOLAB faces criticism from workers for failing to negotiate fair contract agreement

SNOLAB, a world-renowned science facility located in Sudbury, Ontario, has faced criticism from the United Steelworkers union (USW) for its failure to negotiate a fair collective agreement with its employees. The USW members working at SNOLAB facilities, including an underground laboratory deep inside Vale’s Creighton Mine, have voted unanimously to reject SNOLAB’s substandard contract offer.

The workers are part of USW Local 2020-59 and play a vital role in conducting research and experiments at SNOLAB. Their work has garnered global recognition, including a Nobel prize. However, the current contract negotiations have reached a critical point where the employer must choose to return to the bargaining table and provide a fair compensation package that alleviates the financial burden on workers.

In October 2023, SNOLAB received $2 million in public funding from the Canadian government and an initial $12 million from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. This funding was intended to support SNOLAB’s growth and attract skilled professionals to the region. However, recent contract negotiations have raised concerns about SNOLAB’s ability to retain top talent due to wages below current standards and demands for concessions from workers.

Tracy Nguyen, USW staff representative involved in the negotiations expressed her disappointment with SNOLAB’s offer of wages below current standards and demands for concessions from workers. She urged SNOLAB to reconsider its position and engage in meaningful negotiations to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that takes into account the cost of living for its employees.

The USW is urging SNOLAB to reconsider its position on collective bargaining agreements with its employees. For media inquiries contact Tracy Nguyen or Lorei Leigh De Los Reyes or Pascal Boucher or visit their official website or email address provided by them.