Unifor reacts to court order limiting delays at Co-op Refinery

The Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina is pleased with a recent court order that limits picketing workers from stalling traffic heading in and out of the facility.

According to the company, the ruling states that picketing workers can only stop vehicles for up to 10 minutes to provide information. However, those trying to get into the refinery can decline and “proceed without interference.”

“It means Unifor picketers should no longer be able to cause delays in the movement of people, parts and equipment necessary to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the Refinery,” read a statement from Co-op on Saturday.

Unifor acknowledged that the ruling would hamper its ability to get the company back to the bargaining table.

Over the holidays, the union says the two sides have not resumed talks to end the weeks-long labour dispute, which has largely been over pension reform.

But Unifor says it has other ways to put pressure on Co-op, like its call to boycott the company.

“I think they’re already starting to feel the effects of the boycott and also the holding up of vehicles for 10 minutes has had an impact on the amount of fuel they’re getting out of the refinery,” said Scott Doherty, executive assistant to Unifor’s national president.

“You can just drive around the city of Regina and you can see there’s quite a few empty Co-op gas stations.”

In court, Co-op lawyers were seeking an injunction to stop workers from stalling traffic heading in and out of the refinery. They argued workers were harassing and intimidating people and stalling them for hours.

“The granting of an injunction reaffirms the validity of the concerns expressed about the conduct and behaviour exhibited by some of the picketers over the past few weeks,” read Co-op’s statement.

Unifor lawyers disputed the company’s claims, arguing workers were exercising their rights.

Doherty also said if vehicles are being used to block traffic, it’s to protect picketers.

“We’ve had several of our members hit by trucks and other people aggressively trying to get through the line,” he said.

“We move the vehicle after the 10 minutes just to make sure that people are safe.”