Unifor Local 594, which represents workers at the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC), says it is unable to accept the latest offer from the company.
CRC presented what it called its “final” offer to Unifor on Monday — its second in five days. The company rejected a special mediators’ report on March 20.
In a statement on Tuesday, Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) spokesperson Brad DeLorey said “We encourage the Unifor 594 membership to review our offer carefully and make their own decision. The offer we have put in front of Unifor 594 is the Best and Final offer, and is the deal that provides certainty to employees and will end this dispute.”
The latest offer presented to Unifor included new concessions not included in the special mediators’ report, according to the union.
“We stand by the recommendations of Premier Scott Moe’s mediators,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National president.
“The mediators’ recommendations were thoughtfully crafted and balanced. They represent the best path forward for both oil and gas workers and the company.”
Unifor Local 594 members overwhelmingly voted in favour of the special mediators’ recommendations, which would have ended the 117-day lockout has FCL also accepted them.
Unifor’s bargaining committee is recommending members reject Tuesday’s offer when the final vote is conducted by the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board.
“The company has forced this vote. What they should be doing is accepting the recommendations of Vince Ready in the mediation process. That’s been spelled out loud and clear. That’s where the fair deal is.” Kevin Bittman, Unifor Local 594 president said.
Unifor will work with the labor relations board to mail out ballots for a vote. This process, including counting the results, should take upwards of three weeks to complete, according to Bittman.
CRC locked out Unifor Local 594 members on Dec. 5, 2019.
A division of Unifor represents some Global news employees.
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