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Petro-Canada strike enters sixth week By Jim Selby, AFL Staff [Edmonton] The striking members of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) Local 501A are in good spirits as the dispute with PetroCanada enters its sixth week. "The morale on the line is great," said union spokesperson Mark Schweitzer. "The members are solidly behind the union." The strike, which began with the 240 members of Local 501A at the Edmonton refinery, has since spread to the PetroCanada refineries in Oakville and Mississauga and to Port Moody and the Oakville terminal. About 750 workers are now on strike. The employer has just agreed to return to the bargaining table. "We’re pleased that bargaining is going to resume," said Schweitzer. "The union has just begun the process of initiating a boycott through the Alberta Federation of Labour and through the Canadian Labour Congress via our national union office," he said. "We hope the employer makes some concessions before a boycott is initiated," said Schweitzer, "because we know the kind of long-term effects boycotts can have." Meanwhile, Local 501A has a new President. Ron Woodford, who was the spokesperson for the bargaining committee, was elected President on April 25th. Past President John Ross has resigned for personal reasons. |