Unifor Local 530-A members at Shell Scotford in Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., have decisively voted against a mediator’s recommendations for a settlement, citing that the proposed terms would keep their compensation significantly below industry standards.
“We have been clear from the start: Shell workers deserve wages and benefits consistent with other Unifor energy workers. Local 530-A will not settle for second class status,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The union pointed to company profits, noting that the war in Ukraine sent them “skyward.” Over the past two years, Shell has reported nearly $80 billion in profit. In 2022, the company earned over $55 billion globally, and in 2023, its global profits were $27 billion, it said.
Shell’s chief executive officer Wael Sawan received at least $13 million in compensation in 2023, according to Unifor, all figures being in Canadian dollars.
“Shell is wildly profitable, and no different than the employers at other sites who have signed onto the pattern, including Suncor, Imperial, and Enbridge,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Shell has no issue compensating their executive leadership at industry levels. Workers deserve the same treatment.”
Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, represents 320,000 workers across various sectors.
