Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has appointed Vince Ready to be special mediator for bargaining on the Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) collective agreement with Unifor 594.
“Since the Premier’s first offer of a special mediator, we have welcomed this appointment and the opportunity to have productive bargaining,” states FCL. “We look forward to meaningful discussions with Mr. Ready that lead to a long-term, sustainable agreement that works for both parties.”
In the interim, FCL will not be bargaining in the media or making further statements on bargaining.
“We will leave these discussions for the special mediator and bargaining table,” states FCL.
Tensions have been running high during the lockout, after Unifor erected blockades at several sites, including in front of the CRC, which is blocking all fuel trucks from the refinery. As well, Unifor has targeted local Saskatchewan businesses by erecting fencing blockades around co-op sites three times since Jan. 10, 2019.
FCL has been bringing in replacement workers – some by helicopter – during the lockout.
