Syncrude employee furious over apparent request to return to work

A woman, who has asked to remain unidentified, has shared a Facebook post with Global News that she said is from her team leader at Syncrude.

The message appears to show a request for employees to prepare to go back to work “within short notice” and that the team “will be staying in camp, so bring things like towels blank(ets) pillows that kind of stuff.”

In a phone interview with Global News, the woman said she was outraged at the insensitivity of the oil company, “they have no idea what we have been through. We barely made it out. Our town is still on fire and they’re trying to put us back in there.”

She also said most people still don’t know the status of their homes, and was shocked that employees would be asked to go back to work.

“I feel ashamed that I am working for this company right now, that they are asking everyone to come back to work.”

The woman who is currently staying with family outside of Fort McMurray, said she received the message Thursday.

Global News contacted Syncrude to confirm whether employees have been requested to return to work. Will Gibson, media advisor for Syncrude, was unable to confirm or deny the allegations.

Gibson did say that Syncrude is continuing to operate at reduced rates out of their Mildred Lakes facility and that the company’s focus is primarily on the people at this time, to ensure the security of the region and the safety of the people on site.

“Part of why we are continuing to operate, is so that we can continue to supply a feed stock to refineries in Alberta which produce gasoline for the entire province and other parts of Western Canada.”