Refinery workers' union asks to resume talks

No one’s calling it a glimmer of hope, but talks could resume between the Co-op Refinery and the union representing its employees.

The two sides were in talks until Co-op offered what it called its final offer.  

But on Tuesday night, message on the union’s Twitter account stated that representatives were waiting for a reply after reaching out to the company to sit down and re-start discussions.

Co-op spokesperson Brad DeLorey confirmed the union reached out to the provincial mediator, but said he didn’t know the timing of when – or if – talks would resume. He added that the company was still open to talks, but that the final offer was still just that – a final offer.

Unifor 594, the union representing the employees, wouldn’t comment on the status of the talks.

On March 16, a mandated 14-day cooling off period began. That expires at midnight on Thursday.

Once it expires, either side can issue a 48-hour strike or lockout notice if a deal is still not reached.

About 800 employees would be affected by job action. 

Late this afternoon we have reached out to the Company to sit down & resume discussions. We are currently waiting on a reply. #Working594U

— Unifor 594 (@Unifor594) March 29, 2017