April 2010

In the past month, we have heard a great deal about new charges for parking at NRC.  The RCEA is well aware of the frustration of its members.  A letter to NRC’s Acting President was sent to express our concerns and objections regarding the implementation of parking fees at NRC.  Many members have sent us their comments and views on how they perceive this and the impact it will have.  A meeting with the RCEA, PIPSC and NRC has been scheduled. We will be reviewing any new policy very carefully and making submissions regarding the implementation of these fees.  Q and A’s have been posted on ZONE with an email address for employees to submit comments.  We encourage you to make use of this opportunity to let NRC know how you feel.

After several months, the Governor–in–Council approved the Operational Category tentative agreement; the effective date of signing was April 7, 2010 and NRC will have 90 calendar days to implement the terms of the new agreement, including retroactive pay.

In the coming months we will begin our annual visits to the regional institutes and technology centers.  As we confirm the dates of our visits we will post them on our website.  All members that are not from the institutes visited but are in the vicinity and would like to attend the meetings are advised to contact the institute representatives for information concerning the meeting time and location.  You are also welcome to contact the RCEA office if you require more information.

I would also like to welcome the appointment of Mr. John R. McDougall as President of the National Research Council of Canada.  I look forward to meeting him in the near future.

Sincerely,

Serge Croteau
President