Dismantling Shell Montreal East Refinery: Court grants Union's motion for
interim injunction
MONTREAL, July 7 /CNW Telbec/ - CEP- Local 121 (QFL), the union representing Shell workers, filed a motion for an interim injunction this morning before Judge Claude Auclair of the Superior Court of Quebec. The motion seeks to prevent Shell from carrying out drilling on furnace pipes in the refinery, on the grounds that the company did not secure authorizations required under the Petroleum Products Act from the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife.
As Jean-Claude Rocheleau, Local Union president, declared: "This judgment, which makes it possible for us to protect the integrity of the equipment while also ensuring that our members don't have to perform work that is in breach of the Act, is nothing but good news for us. We believe that maintaining the equipment in good condition until we get satisfactory answers to our questions about offers to buy the facility, received by Shell over the past few weeks, is essential. We hope to have the explanations we're looking for when Shell is called before the industry Standing Committee that will be convened in the next few days, in response to unanimous calls from all federal political parties."
Since the January 7 announcement this year that the Shell refinery would be converted to a terminal, the Union has multiplied its efforts to have this profitable refinery sold in order to maintain the 800 direct and 3,500 spin-off jobs, save the petrochemical industry in Montreal East and ensure Quebec's energy security. An improved offer from a serious and credible interested buyer was tabled, and Shell didn't respond to it.
For further information: For further information: Catherine Escojido, cell phone (514) 927-8807; Source: CEP Local 121 (QFL)
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