Labour dispute at Co-op refinery reaches six-month mark with no end in sight

As of Friday, the lengthy labour dispute between Unifor Local 594 and the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) had been going on for six months.

But even after six months, neither side seems closer to reaching a resolution.

Unifor workers were locked out of their jobs on Dec. 5 after the CRC received notice of an impending strike from the union.

“We’ve given them everything they want but yet they’ve refused a return-to-work agreement that gets everybody back to work,” Local 594 president Kevin Bittman said. “For us, until we get that and we get that guarantee that nobody’s going to be fired, we’re not going anywhere.”

On Thursday, more than 400 Unifor members took to the streets of Saskatoon, picketing in hopes of an end to the lockout.

Brad DeLorey, the director of communications and public affairs for the refinery, said the six-month milestone is a time to look back and prepare for the future.

“With any milestone, it gives you an opportunity to reflect on the last six months and look forward to a possible … resolution to this private dispute,” DeLorey said.

“Obviously, we’d love to see an end to this labour dispute to get our work force back.”

DeLorey said the end of the labour dispute will usher in a new period for both Unifor and the CRC.

“I know it’s going to take time and going to take a lot of respect on both sides and really time to heal for the organization,” DeLorey said.

“For over 75 years, Unifor have been our partners in this venture at the refinery. When this is all said and done, they will remain our partners.”

Bittman said Unifor is open to compromise, but will not bend to any worker losing their position.

“Seven hundred and 30 got locked out of their employment and 730 should come back to work,” Bittman said.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Keenan Sorokan