Ontario’s decision to refurbish four units at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station will preserve and create thousands of unionized jobs in the province’s electricity sector while extending operations at the facility for decades.
The Power Workers’ Union welcomed the provincial government’s approval to refurbish Units 5–8 at the station. The union represents more than 19,000 electricity sector workers across Ontario.
“For more than 50 years, Pickering has provided clean, reliable electricity to millions of Ontarians, and that legacy has been built and sustained by the expertise and dedication of our skilled unionized workforce,” said Andrew Clunis, president of the Power Workers’ Union.
Long-term employment impact
The refurbishment will create jobs during the construction phase and sustain positions in long-term operations and maintenance after the units return to service.
The station currently generates enough electricity to supply nearly 2 million homes, according to the union.
PWU members operate and maintain the nuclear facility, which has produced electricity in Ontario since the 1970s.
Clean energy operations
The refurbished units will continue providing carbon-free electricity to the provincial grid. Nuclear power produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
The union said its members remain committed to maintaining safety and reliability standards at the facility during and after the refurbishment work.
