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ARTICLE · 11 DECEMBER 2012

Random Alcohol And Drug Testing Halted At Suncor Oilsands Plant

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On November 28, 2012, Alberta’s Court of Appeal upheld an injunction halting implementation of Suncor Energy Inc.’s (Suncor) new random alcohol and drug testing program (Program) until an arbitration board renders a decision on a grievance of the program.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Birch Miller
Birch Miller
Martha Monterrosa
Martha Monterrosa
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On November 28, 2012, Alberta's Court of Appeal upheld an injunction halting implementation of Suncor Energy Inc.'s (Suncor) new random alcohol and drug testing program (Program) until an arbitration board renders a decision on a grievance of the program.

The legality of mandatory random alcohol and drug testing remains a controversial issue for employers operating in the Alberta oilsands and Suncor appears to be at the forefront of such testing. Suncor's ability to defend its new Program in the face of a grievance on behalf of the Communications, Energy and Paperworks Union, Local 707(Union) will have a major influence on whether such testing will be introduced (perhaps growing as a standard across the industry) or will be prevented from continuing.

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