Some Co-ops could be out of fuel in the coming days due to the ongoing labour dispute between Unifor and Federated Co-op. CEO Scott Banda says the barricades around the refinery in Regina and the fuel station in Carseland, Alberta have prevented fuel trucks getting product to Co-op gas stations. Banda says Unifor’s actions set a dangerous precedent across the country, determining when laws are to be applied and when they are not.

There will be two court injunctions this week in Alberta and Saskatchewan to decide the legality of Unifor’s barricades. Banda says Co-op is ready to bargain as soon as the union once again removes the blockades.

Lead negotiator for Unifor Local 594, Scott Doherty, doesn’t believe the barricades are illegal and he says they would go away immediately if Co-op got rid of its replacement workers at the refinery. Doherty wants to sit down with the premier or Minister of Labour Relations to discuss the conditions and specifications of Scott Moe’s offer of appointing a special mediator for this dispute.

Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh spoke to the picketing workers on Monday, offering his full support, and he announced his party is tabling anti-scab legislation. He feels the pensions that were duly earned should not be subject to attacks. Singh called on the Premier take action to help the workers get a new contract.

Premier Scott Moe said to reporters at the SUMA convention that he thinks it’s ironic Singh is supporting oil and gas workers due to his stance on a low-carbon economy in Canada. (CKRM)