Barricades back up after talks between Unifor, Co-op refinery break down

Just one day after executives from Unifor and management from the Co-op refinerymet for bargaining, talks between the two sides have broken down.

According to Scott Doherty, assistant to Unifor's national president, the two sides are now further apart than they were before bargaining. He said Co-op wouldn't move on its position, even though Unifor removed its preconditions for bargaining and offered to pay up to six per cent into employees' defined benefits pension plans.

Unifor-represented employees were locked out of the refinery on Dec. 5 after issuing a strike notice two days prior. Pensions have been at the heart of the labour dispute. Most employees are on adefined benefits pension plan and don't have to pay into it. During previous contract negotiations, Co-op requested that employees begin contributing to the plan.

Barricades put up by Unifor at entrances to the refinery to block fuel trucks were taken down on Friday in response to the news about bargaining. They were put back up as of early Saturday morning when talks broke down. Doherty says they'll stay there until Co-op is willing to bargain again.

Co-op requested further concessions, saysDoherty

Dohertysaid Co-op wantedto eliminate master operator and maintenance positions at the refinery in order to reach a deal with Unifor.

Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) spokesperson Brad DeLorey wouldn't say whether or notthis request was made.

"We're not going to bargain in the media," said DeLorey. "Bargaining must happen at the bargaining table."

A statement from the CRCSaturday encouraged Unifor to "return to the table" and said Co-op isnot prepared to bargain again until blockades at all of its locations are removed.

Unifor wants province's help

Doherty said a formal letter requesting binding arbitration hasbeen sent to Premier Scott Moe.

"My message to the Premier today is 'we've sent you the letter; it's time for you to show leadership,'" said Doherty. "This dispute needs to end."

NDP leader Ryan Meili also called on the province to implement binding arbitration.

"The lack of leadership from the provincial government on this lock-out cannot continue," Meilisaid in a news release issued Saturday afternoon. "The people of the province need to hear from the Labour Minister today, to assure them that he will not allow this situation to go on indefinitely."

A spokesperson for the province's Executive Council did not immediately return a request for comment Saturday.

Doherty said further escalations should be expected, though he wouldn't elaborate on what those might be.

On top of barricades at the Regina facility, the most recent escalation has included a blockade at a Co-op-owned fuel storage facility in Carseland, Alta.anda cardlock and restaurant in Weyburn.