Unifor wins injunction preventing random drug testing at Suncor

FORT MCMURRAY, AB, Dec. 7, 2017 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes an injunction issued today by the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta prohibiting Suncor from randomly testing union members for drugs or alcohol. 

"Unifor maintains that random testing is invasive and degrading, the policy that Suncor is trying to implement is a gross violation of worker's rights," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

The injunction covers more than 3,000 members of Unifor Local 707A at Suncor's worksites in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The injunction will stand until there is a final arbitration decision on the Unifor's grievance regarding Suncor's random drug and alcohol testing policy.

"We are pleased by the ruling and are now preparing to advance our case as quickly as possible through the legal process," said Ken Smith, President of Local 707A.

Unifor has opposed the policy since Suncor unilaterally introduced it in 2012. The union has sought leave to appeal an earlier court ruling to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Unifor remains fully committed to the workplace safety of its members, all workers and the public at the Suncor Oil Sands mine sites.

"The safety of all can only be protected by policies that reflect appropriate and meaningful respect for the privacy and dignity of the workforce," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor