Unifor blockade is threat to public safety

January 10, 2020

One day after releasing a disgusting video of replacement workers that puts their personal safety at risk, Unifor’s Toronto-based leadership has now decided to put public safety at risk.

Overnight, Unifor chose to blockade access points to the refinery and to a Co-op Cardlock station and propane facilities on Fleet Street in Regina using physical barriers such as vehicles and fences. This site has large volumes of both fuel and propane. Distribution of propane at this time of year is critical to heat homes, dry grain and heat livestock facilities and construction sites.

“By putting physical barriers in place such as vehicles and fences, the union is cutting off emergency access to these facilities, and that should not be allowed,” said Gil Le Dressay, Vice-President of Refinery Operations.

“Co-op Cardlock stations, like any fuel station, and the refinery contain flammable compounds and require emergency access at all times – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Emergency vehicles cannot sit and wait for Unifor to remove their barriers in the event of an emergency.”

The Co-op Refinery Complex is focused on the safety of our people and the community and will be working with the necessary stakeholders to ensure safe access to these facilities is maintained.