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Alberta judge quashes 2014 decision that ruled against Suncor random drug tests

In this Feb. 5, 2010 file photo, a technician prepares urine samples for doping tests. Sang Tan / The Associated Press File

EDMONTON – Oilsands giant Suncor Energy has won the latest round in its push to randomly test thousands of workers for drugs and alcohol in northern Alberta.

A Court of Queen’s Bench judge has quashed a 2014 arbitration panel ruling that determined the proposed testing plan would violate the privacy of union workers.

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The judge says the panel should have considered evidence about alcohol and drug incidents involving all workers at Suncor, including non-union contract employees.

Justice Blair Nixon says a new arbitration panel should review the company’s random testing plan, which Suncor first announced in 2012.

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) spokeswoman Sneh Seetal says the company is pleased with the ruling and that such testing aims to protect the safety of the public and workers.

Unifor local 707-A says it will appeal the judge’s decision and maintains that random testing violates the basic rights of union members.

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