Canadian Union of Skilled Workers

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FAX COVER PAGE
FAX NO.:
TO:
1-6 13-995-5086
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
DATE:
9/5/2012 3:23:42 PM
OUR FILE #:
12-110
NO.OF
PAGES:
3
FROM:
Lorne A. Richmond
4 16-591-7333
MESSAGE:
(including this cover)
FROM FAX:
See attached.
(Please call Julia Barton at 416-93-6409 $'>'ou do not receive
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L. A . Richmond
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Fax: 416-591-7333
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Our File No. 12-1 10
September 5,2012
Via Facsimile
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 280 Slater Street P.O. Box Station B Ottawa, Ontario KIP 5S9 Dear SirMadam:
Re:
Canadian Union of Skilled Workers Response to Fit For Duty Drug Testing
We act for the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (“CUSW)”
CUSW represents construction electricians and linemen in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and
British Columbia. It has several hundred members in Ontario employed in the electrical power
systems sector of the construction industry which encompasses all of the nuclear plants. CUSW
represents electricians, linemen and related trades at all of the nuclear plants in Onîario who are
employed by the owners, Ontario Power Generation Inc. and Bruce Power LP and their various
contractors.
CUSW and its predecessor have represented workers on nuclear sites since the nuclear plants
were constructed and consistently ever since.
CUSW has reviewed the CNSC’s Drug and Alcohol testing proposals. We have also reviewed
the submissions of the Power Workers’ Union.
CUSW fully endorses the Power Workers’ Union submission and adopts its submissions as its
O W .
CUSW is not aware of a single safety incident arising at the nuclear plants due to substance
abuse. CUSW of course, has had experience with individual members with drug or alcohol
problems. CUSW assists union members through our health and welfare programs and if the
issue involves an employer, the matter is dealt with on an individual basis involving the
member, the union and the employer. We have had no complaints from our employers about
drug or alcohol abuse. There simply is no basis to impose intrusive drug testing on our members
particularly where there is no evidence of any existing problem and where testing would not and
cannot establish current impairment in the case of drugs. Random testing is abhorrent on a
human rights basis and has never been accepted by arbitrators or labour boards in Canada. The
TORONTO
*
OTTAWA
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CNSC proposal is clearly ideological one and not one based on evidence or the current labour
relations law.
CNSC should leave this area to those who have experience in labour relations and workplace
safety. The proposal is so flawed that one can only conclude that it is being proposed for public
relations purposes and to punish and humiliate workers.
CUSW will continue to oppose this attack on our members and members of other unions by the
CNSC.
C.C.
Mr. J. Mulhall
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