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April 28, 2020
REGINA—After Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) snubbed the premier’s mediators and unilaterally forced a final contract vote on refinery workers, Unifor Local 594 members have voted 89 per cent against the contract.
“Co-op had every reason to be satisfied with the mediators’ recommendations, but they got greedy,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Regina’s refinery workers have sent a clear message to Premier Moe: impose the mediators’ recommendations and end this dispute.”
In March 2020, Premier Scott Moe appointed two independent mediators to review submissions from the union and the company and develop recommendations for a fair contract that should bring the lockout to a close. Members of Local 594 subsequently voted 98 per cent in favour of the mediated contract.
“The premier hired the most experienced mediators in the country. The premier should take the next logical step and implement the mediators’ recommendations,” said Kevin Bittman, President of Local 594.
More than 700 highly skilled refinery workers were locked out of the jobsite on December 5, 2019 for trying to bargain the same contract enjoyed by energy workers across Western Canada.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
To arrange for interviews, in-person or via Skype/Facetime, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
