Co-op Refinery Strike Deteriorates

Unifor continues to strike out at FCL in the midst of the lockout and strike at the Regina Co-op Refinery.

Unifor members have locked out Co-op managers from one of their offices in Regina and blocked the card-lock on Fleet Street.

The Unifor National President Jerry Dias says after locking out loyal employees in frigid temperatures and flying in scabs, it’s time FCL had a taste of their own medicine.

After the union had served strike notice, the company locked out employees and the main sticking point between the two sides is pension.

Brad DeLorey with the Refinery says this is a threat to public safety. He says card lock stations, fuel stations and the refinery have flammable compounds that require emergency access at all times.

He says that, through all of this, the company has noticed people still using Co-op gas bars, which he says is a positive.

He says he can’t thank them enough for their support.

DeLorey says Co-op is working with emergency response stakeholders and exploring all legal options to get managers back in the office.

Unifor has also released a video which names replacement workers hired by Co-op and shows their pictures, calling them scabs.

FCL’s response was to say they are disappointed but not surprised by the move. Co-op concluded a news release issued yesterday by saying they will be taking steps to ensure the safety of those in the video.

Earlier this week, Unifor announced they would be stepping up their efforts to fight for what they call a fair deal in retaliation to a billboard campaign by Co-op across the province.