Co-Op services return as striking workers cross picket line

Saskatoon Co-Op is re-opening shuttered locations and extending shortened  hours as striking workers opt to cross the picket line to return to their jobs.

The company reported Monday morning in a news release that 12 striking members of  United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1400 had returned to work over the weekend.

That brought the total of unionized employees working through the strike to 203.

Between those employees, managers and temporary workers, the company said it had enough people to re-open its Stonebridge grocery location and extend gas bar service hours.

The opening of a new liquor store location on 8th Street was also slated to go ahead.

UFCW Local 1400 workers walked off the job nearly four months ago over Co-Op’s proposal to bring in a lower wage structure for new hires.

The union reported 60 per cent of its members voted against the company’s last contract offer on Jan. 7.

In its press release, Saskatoon Co-Op management expressed a desire to return to talks with the union in the hope of ending the strike.