About The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates
The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) is an independent union representing engineers, scientists, technicians, technologists, skilled tradespersons, drafters, designers, operations administrators, and other specialists employed by Candu Energy Inc. (formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited). SPEA members play an integral role in new nuclear reactor builds. They have helped design and build new reactors in Canada, Argentina, South Korea, China, and Romania. They have also participated in refurbishing reactors in Ontario (Bruce Power, OPG Darlington and Pickering), Korea (Wolsong), Quebec (Gentilly-2), New Brunswick (Pt. Lepreau) and Argentina (Embalse).
Certified by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board in 1974, SPEA is one of the oldest professional unions in Canada. Collectively, we represent most of Canada's nuclear power reactor design expertise. SPEA represents the technical and support employees at Candu, in four separate bargaining units (the "SE" bargaining unit is comprised of scientists, engineers and other professionals, the "TT" bargaining unit consists of technicians, technologists and trades, the “PD” bargaining unit consists of drafters and designers, and the “OA” unit consists of operations administrators and other specialists and professionals). Each bargaining unit has a separate collective agreement with the same employer. In November 2023, SPEA entered into a trial affiliation with Unifor as Local 7474.
What SPEA Does
SPEA representatives support our members by answering any and all questions regarding the Collective Agreement or employment in general. SPEA advocates for members in their employment relationship.
SPEA also actively promotes nuclear power in the public sphere. SPEA participates in lobbying activities to promote the Canadian Nuclear Industry and nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes. We meet with federal and provincial politicians to share facts about our industry and to listen to their questions and concerns. We strive to educate politicians and the public about the benefits of nuclear technology for our economy and for the environment.
Who SPEA Is
SPEA is run by an Executive Board. Executive Board members are elected from within the membership. All SPEA Executive members are full time Candu employees and we spend the majority of our time performing technical work at Candu. We are a highly democratic and participatory union, and our members are active and involved. The SPEA Executive consists of five Officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Membership Chair) and Members-at-Large (M-a-Ls). We employ three Staff Representatives and an office coordinator who support the Executives and assist members directly.