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17 November, 2008
Meeting in Aberdeen, Scotland, on 10 November, offshore oil and gas workers unions from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Netherlands, and Norway, together with representatives from the ICEM and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), expressed full support to the boycott of Petro-Canada products throughout Canada.
The action is in support of 260 oil refinery workers, members of Communication, Energy Paperworkers (CEP) Union Local 175, who have been locked-out at a PetroCanada refinery in Montreal, Quebec, since 17 November.
Participants at the meeting were appalled to hear that the company has jeopardised safety by attempting to operate the refinery at reduced output using management and scab replacement workers.
“We call on PetroCanada to immediately end the lockout and accept the work terms and conditions contained in the CEP National Energy & Chemical Bargaining Pattern Agreement. This pattern was set by PetroCanada and the CEP at an oil refinery in Edmonton, Alberta, earlier in 2007,” said Norrie McVicar, ITF Offshore Task Force Chairman.
“Oil & Gas workers around the world must be informed of this outrageous behaviour by Petro-Canada and we need to increase pressure on the company internationally as the lockout approaches its first anniversary,” said Lars Myhre Chairperson of the ICEM-ITF Oil & Gas Workers Trade Union Alliance and President of the ICEM Energy Industries Section.
The meeting took place to plan a conference of North Sea oil and gas workers, slated for early 2009, and participants unanimously decided to invite CEP to this conference to share experiences in the industry.