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Unifor’s activists fence off Co-op’s Alberta fuel distribution

January 27, 2020

Secondary picketing became a blockade on Saturday and Sunday when Unifor’s self-described “activists” set up fencing and prevented fuel trucks and cardlock customers from accessing FCL’s fuel distribution terminal near Carseland, Alta. Their blockade remains in place this morning.

This blockade is related to the ongoing labour disruption at the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) in Regina, where Unifor is illegally blocking all fuel trucks and other vehicles from entering or exiting the refinery in violation of the law and a court order. As well, Unifor has attacked local Saskatchewan businesses by illegally erecting fencing blockades around co-op sites three times since Jan. 10, 2020. 

“We respect the union’s right to picket, share information and disrupt our normal course of business within the bounds set by the courts. But Unifor’s use of blockades and disregard for the rule of law go beyond peaceful picketing,” said Vic Huard, FCL’s Executive Vice-President of Customer Experience and Stakeholder Engagement. 

“We believe that Unifor does not understand the role that the energy sector plays in driving our economy and sustaining vibrant communities across Western Canada. We also do not believe that Toronto-based Unifor’s aggressive and illegal tactics align with Western Canadians’ values.”

The CRC ships refined petroleum products to the Carseland Terminal, where it is distributed to communities across Alberta and British Columbia by fuel trucks.

The union has already been fined $100,000 for being in contempt of an interim injunction order, put in place before a court ruling restricted delays at the CRC to a maximum of 10 minutes or until the recipient of information indicates a desire to proceed, whichever comes first.

In light of Unifor’s escalation, the Court of Queen’s Bench orders and the recent contempt of court ruling, the CRC believes Unifor should respect the Court and comply with the Court Order regarding access to the refinery. The Company will not return to the bargaining table while Unifor maintains an illegal blockade at CRC or any other Co-op location.

More information on the CRC’s offer and this labour disruption is available at refineryfacts.ca