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May 19, 2020
FOAM LAKE—Federated Co-operatives Limited’s refusal to accept the recommendations of Premier Scott Moe’s mediators has again affected the fuel supply for farmers, says Unifor.
“It will not be business as usual for the refinery while they’ve locked out highly skilled workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “This lockout must end with the mediators’ terms.”
Members of Unifor Local 594 have erected a secondary picket line at the Co-op Foam Lake Cardlock in Central Saskatchewan. They are asking farmers to contact their MLA with demands to legislate an end to the lockout.
Local 594 members ratified the mediators’ deal by 98%. Co-op management later rejected it and tabled new concessions. Since then, oil & gas workers have been calling on Premier Scott Moe to legislate the parties back to work with the terms recommended by the two mediators.
“Scott Moe was right to appoint mediators, but now he has to finish the job,” said Kevin Bittman, Unifor Local 594 president.
A vehicle rally was also held this morning at the Co-op Refinery.
Over the weekend the local union made public details of a bomb threat made against the oil & gas workers in February. The threat was known to the Regina Police Service, but the picketers were not made aware of it nor is the RPS making public any details about whether or not it was investigated.
“Regina Police have sided with the company since day one, but it is especially disturbing that they have not fulfilled their role to protect workers against a terrorist threat,” said Dias.
To arrange for interviews, in-person or via Skype/Facetime, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at @email or 778-903-6549 (cell).
