In an internal letter to employees, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) said it is lifting its proof of vaccination policy and advised employees to return to work on April 4..The internal Return to Work Notice, obtained by the Western Standard, said CNRL “has reviewed its COVID-19 policy and will be adjusting measures accordingly” in response to the “continuing easing and removal of public health protocols…”.“Over the last two years, the Company’s (sic) measures have evolved and were strengthened to address the increasing risks and potential severity of outcomes from COVID-19,” said the letter..“These measures were effective in providing additional levels of protection for our staff, their families and communities. When the mandatory vaccination requirement was implemented, it was the right approach at the time given the severity of the risk to safety and it has served its purpose.”.The letter goes on to say anyone who is currently on unpaid suspension will be “required to return to your work location and role at Canadian Natural” on April 4..Pay and benefits will resume April 4 for those returning but the company also advised those who were “non-compliant with the COVID-19 policy” will not be eligible for the company’s 2021 bonus program..Employees, subject to board approval at a May meeting of the Compensation Committee, could be eligible for stock options in an amount consistent with others in a similar role..The letter also said rapid testing may still be required based on site-specific needs..Employees are directed to sign and return the letter to CNRL’s HR department by Friday to “confirm your intention to return to work.” CNRL said it will assume those who fail to return the signed letter are electing to abandon their employment with the company..The Western Standard contacted CNRL’s communications and HR departments for comment, but none was provided..In mid-October, Calgary lawyer James Kitchen, in support of a group of 1,100 CNRL employees, sent CEO Tim McKay a legal letter demanding the company stop plans for implementing a mandatory vaccination policy..“My clients are not litigious,” said Kitchen in the letter..“They are severely normal people who want to quietly live their lives, work hard at their jobs, enjoy the fruits of their labour in a free society, and have their employers and governments respect their health choices and bodily autonomy. They have no ideological axe to grind with CNRL, or political point to prove in court.”.Kitchen said his clients are refusing the vaccines for numerous reasons including: They are “dangerous and ineffective,” natural immunity is growing and freedom of choice on what to put in your own body..CNRL did not respond to Kitchen’s letter, nor did they respond to any requests from the Western Standard for comment..Within weeks of Kitchen’s letter to the oil giant, heavy equipment operator Naomi Smart was the first CNRL employee to be dismissed without cause for opposing the mandates..Following her October dismissal, Smart launched legal action against CNRL in December with the help of Kitchen..Another leaked letter from CNRL to suspended workers surfaced mid-February and suggested the company was polling staff to determine their intentions to return..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
In an internal letter to employees, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) said it is lifting its proof of vaccination policy and advised employees to return to work on April 4..The internal Return to Work Notice, obtained by the Western Standard, said CNRL “has reviewed its COVID-19 policy and will be adjusting measures accordingly” in response to the “continuing easing and removal of public health protocols…”.“Over the last two years, the Company’s (sic) measures have evolved and were strengthened to address the increasing risks and potential severity of outcomes from COVID-19,” said the letter..“These measures were effective in providing additional levels of protection for our staff, their families and communities. When the mandatory vaccination requirement was implemented, it was the right approach at the time given the severity of the risk to safety and it has served its purpose.”.The letter goes on to say anyone who is currently on unpaid suspension will be “required to return to your work location and role at Canadian Natural” on April 4..Pay and benefits will resume April 4 for those returning but the company also advised those who were “non-compliant with the COVID-19 policy” will not be eligible for the company’s 2021 bonus program..Employees, subject to board approval at a May meeting of the Compensation Committee, could be eligible for stock options in an amount consistent with others in a similar role..The letter also said rapid testing may still be required based on site-specific needs..Employees are directed to sign and return the letter to CNRL’s HR department by Friday to “confirm your intention to return to work.” CNRL said it will assume those who fail to return the signed letter are electing to abandon their employment with the company..The Western Standard contacted CNRL’s communications and HR departments for comment, but none was provided..In mid-October, Calgary lawyer James Kitchen, in support of a group of 1,100 CNRL employees, sent CEO Tim McKay a legal letter demanding the company stop plans for implementing a mandatory vaccination policy..“My clients are not litigious,” said Kitchen in the letter..“They are severely normal people who want to quietly live their lives, work hard at their jobs, enjoy the fruits of their labour in a free society, and have their employers and governments respect their health choices and bodily autonomy. They have no ideological axe to grind with CNRL, or political point to prove in court.”.Kitchen said his clients are refusing the vaccines for numerous reasons including: They are “dangerous and ineffective,” natural immunity is growing and freedom of choice on what to put in your own body..CNRL did not respond to Kitchen’s letter, nor did they respond to any requests from the Western Standard for comment..Within weeks of Kitchen’s letter to the oil giant, heavy equipment operator Naomi Smart was the first CNRL employee to be dismissed without cause for opposing the mandates..Following her October dismissal, Smart launched legal action against CNRL in December with the help of Kitchen..Another leaked letter from CNRL to suspended workers surfaced mid-February and suggested the company was polling staff to determine their intentions to return..Melanie Risdon is a reporter with the Western Standard.,.mrisdon@westernstandardonline.com
