Union Representing NB Power Employees Pleased, Relieved with Lepreau Decision

(Fredericton, July 29, 2005) The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which represents most of NB Power’s employees including the majority of employees at Point Lepreau, says the government deserves credit for taking the decision it has on the nuclear facility.

IBEW spokesperson Ross Galbraith says the union has done extensive research over the past year and more, on the pros and cons of the various alternatives for supplying our future energy needs “and there is no doubt in our minds whatsoever, that refurbishment is the best alternative on both economic and environmental grounds. But that aside, we appreciate that it wasn’t an easy decision for the government. There is no doubt the federal government decision not to contribute to the costs made it even tougher, but as we watch what’s happening with the costs of fossil fuels and the jam our neighbours in Nova Scotia are in because of their dependence on these fuel sources, we are confident the wisdom of this decision will become even more clear in the future.”

Galbraith added that “the more immediate benefit is to the 700 Lepreau employees who can now exhale, after living for long months wondering whether they will have to leave their homes to work in their chosen field. We appreciate what they were going through and thank them for hanging in.”

“We also realize that the government was aware of what this decision meant to workers, but it had to take the time to ensure the decision made was the right one. We respect this. It’s a good day for the employees, but also for all New Brunswickers who are concerned with what will happen to their power bills in the future, and for anyone who cares about the air we breathe and serious issues such as global warming, for all of these people it is a good day. The government is to be congratulated.’