PRESS RELEASE

BOYCOTT PETRO-CANADA IN SUPPORT OF LOCKED-OUT
MONTREAL WORKERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Regina, SK) – Members of Canada’s largest energy workers’ union are picketing selected Petro-Canada gas stations today in support of locked-out workers at the Montreal refinery.

Petro-Canada locked out 260 workers of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) on November 17, 2007, refusing to give them the same contract it has already agreed to with its workers in other provinces.

To mark the first year of the lock-out, CEP has declared today a National Day of Action and urges motorists to boycott Petro-Canada gas stations until the end of the lock-out.

An information picket line will go up today at: Regina, Saskatchewan

November 21, 2008 8:00am-4:00pm
481 Albert St. North-Northgate Mall
2020 Coleman St.
November 22, 2008 10:00am-4:00pm
481 Albert St. North-Northgate Mall
2020 Coleman St.

"With record profits, this lock-out is not about money", says CEP President Dave Coles. "This is an attempt to break the union – in particular of pattern bargaining in the energy sector. "

Over the last year, Petro-Canada has been found guilty of operating using illegal scabs, of intimidating and threatening workers and of ignoring orders to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.

"Running a refinery on a skeleton staff, who are working extremely long hours is a recipe for disaster", says Dave Coles. The Quebec Ministry of the Environment, the Workers Health and Safety Commission and the City of Montreal have launched inquiries about disturbing safety and environmental incidents.

The Canadian Labour Congress and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada have called for a national boycott campaign of Petro-Canada until the company ends the lockout.

"We will stand by our 260 colleagues for as long as it takes" says CEP Local 594 President Kevin Bittman. "We hope for a fair settlement soon."

CEP is a broad based trade union representing 150,000 workers in many industries across Canada. In Saskatchewan the 9000 CEP members work in a wide variety of workplaces which includes most of Saskatchewan’s Crown Corporations, the petrochemical industry, pulp and paper plants, the television industry, the printing and graphical sector and the hospitality industry.

MORE INFORMATION:
Kevin Bittman
CEP Local 594 President
529-0322