Random drug tests halted at Suncor oilsands plant

A judge has granted a temporary injunction against random drug testing at the Suncor oilsandsfacilities in northeastern Alberta.

In June, Suncor announced to employees that it would impose random drug and alcohol testing starting Oct. 15, 2012.

However the union representing the workers Communications, Energy and Paperworkers isfightingthe move, citing privacy issues.

The policy is expected to go before an arbitration board before the end of November.

In his decisionMonday, Alberta Court of Queen's Bench Justice Eric Macklin said the policy istoosignificantto be implemented before ruled on by arbitrators, given the impact on employees.

Suncor said it isappealing the injunction to the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Suncor has had a drug-testingpolicy since 2003that tests employees for drugs and alcoholfollowing workplace accidents.