Refinery uses helicopters to ferry in supplies, workers

The Co-op Refinery Complex claims a “dangerous situation” on the picket lines prompted it to start taking alternative action Sunday.

The refinery said the actions of Unifor members on the picket line led to the use of helicopters to ferry workers into the complex.

“Helicopters have always been in our business continuity plan as a contingency, but we had hoped that Unifor would remain respectful on the picket line and that they would not be required,” the refinery said in a media release.

The @Unifor594 picket lines are rock-solid. @CoopRefinery is forced to pay top-dollar to fly in scabs by helicopter. #skpoli #canlab pic.twitter.com/pOEmG05UUR

— Unifor (@UniforTheUnion) December 8, 2019

The company alleged that employees who have been crossing the picket line have been “harassed, accosted and verbally abused.” As well, the company said picketers have held up shipments of food and material for those working at the refinery during the labour dispute.

In a tweet, the union said its picket lines “are rock-solid,” noting the refinery is “forced to pay top-dollar to fly in scabs by helicopter.”

The refinery release also noted that picketers have delayed fuel trucks entering and exiting the refinery — a tactic union officials confirmed Friday on the first day of picketing.

Despite that, the company said consumers “can rest assured that we are working hard to move fuel safely, from our Refinery to your co-ops and your gas and diesel tanks.”

The main sticking point in negotiations is the employees’ pensions.