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Unifor members from Local 594 and the Regina refinery set up barricades Friday morning around the Co-op cardlock north of Saskatoon just off Highway 16.
“I’m here to bring attention to the fact that (Federated Co-operatives Limited officials) have chosen to lock their employees out at the Co-op refinery and we are here to bring that to the attention of the people of Saskatoon,” said Vivian Molnar, one of the organizers of the barricade.
“My personal opinion is if I’m locked out of my job, I’m sorry, but today you aren’t going to be able to get gas at the cardlock until FCL returns to the bargaining table and starts negotiating in good faith.”
Earlier this week, the province appointed a special mediator in hopes of ending the refinery labour dispute. The two sides are set to meet with the mediator, Vince Ready, on Tuesday.
“These latest antics are disappointing, but after everything Unifor has done, they’re unfortunately not surprising,” FCL CEO Scott Banda said in a statement.
“We’re taking the appointment of a special mediator and the resumption of bargaining next week very seriously. All we ask is that our union partners in this negotiation will do the same and end these illegal blockades.”
Premier Scott Moe was on Gormley on Friday and also expressed his disappointment with Unifor’s most recent tactics.
“Again, this is a time where the local police enforcement are going to have to ensure the law is enforced. I’m sure there will be an injunction very quickly,” he said.
“This is disappointing that these types of tactics continue to be used anywhere in this province. We have come forward with what we think is a positive step forward with what has been same very trying times.”
The refinery locked out unionized employees Dec. 5 after Unifor issued strike notice.
