Date: 2015
Location: Fort McMurray
Profile: Lisa Rose is a longtime oil worker and Fort McMurray resident. Originally from Newfoundland, Rose first moved to Fort McMurray as a teenager with her family in 1983. After working a number of jobs in the area, including security guard, EMT, food service, and librarian, she came to work at Syncrude. There, she trained in mine operations and operated a heavy hauler truck before going to work in the steam bay, and then entering instrumentation. She completed her instrumentation technician apprenticeship at Suncor, and became a journeyman in 2012.
Rose offers an insider perspective on the perception of the oil industry, workers’ rights and supports, women in the oil patch, and the industry’s impacts on the environment. Rose is a member of Unifor Local 707A’s Women’s Committee; she describes the Committee’s role in developing sexual harassment policies, supporting women’s safety, and social engagement. Rose outlines the benefits of union membership at Suncor, including increased pay, benefits, travel and holiday time, and support and advocacy. She describes the difficult pace of shift work, and its effects on health and family life. Rose is married, with adult children and stepchildren, one of whom is also an oil patch worker.
Keywords: Drugs and alcohol; Fort McMurray community; Instrument technician; Pregnancy; Sexual harassment; Shift work and family life; Suncor; Syncrude; Union membership benefits; Women in oil patch.
Transcript: Download PDF
See also: Occupational Health and Safety in Alberta; Oil Workers in Alberta; Unifor; Women in Skilled Trades in Alberta; Women and Work in Alberta