Unifor blocks fuel from Co-op’s Alberta fuel terminal

January 24, 2020

As part of the ongoing labour disruption at the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) in Regina, Unifor has taken its aggressive tactics to Alberta. Unifor and its “team of activists” are now blocking fuel trucks from entering and exiting FCL’s fuel terminal in Carseland, Alta., with fuel destined for Co-op gas bars in Alberta and British Columbia.

This follows the current illegal barricade that Unifor has erected in front of the CRC, which is blocking all fuel trucks 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, 2019. 

“We’re disappointed that they’ve decided to follow this aggressive route considering earlier this week we did have discussions about conditions needed to resume bargaining,” said Vic Huard, FCL’s Executive Vice-President of Customer Experience and Stakeholder Engagement. “These aggressive tactics just don’t line up with the values of Western Canadians.”

The CRC has stated consistently that meaningful negotiations require Unifor to drop their pre-conditions regarding no changes to the pension plan. In light of Unifor’s escalation in the past week, and 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.