Since 2012, Suncor and Unifor Local 707A have been in and out of court arguing over random drug testing.
In 2014 an arbitration panel ruled in favour of the union, but two years later that ruling was overturned. The union attempted to appeal that ruling but in September of this year, the Alberta Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the challenge and advised the case be heard before a fresh arbitration panel. Just last week,
Suncor and the union were back in court as the union sought an injunction to stop Suncor from proceeding with random tests. After arguments from both sides it’s expected that a written decision will be delivered on Thursday, December 7.
In the fight to implement random testing, Suncor cited 73 safety incidents where workers tested positive for drugs and alcohol since 2014. Unifor stands in stark opposition saying this would breach privacy and the bodily integrity of employees, and insisting that comprehensive training prevention programs would be more effective.
