Saskatchewan Minister of Labour says a special mediator, as requested by Unifor Local 594, is contingent on the union removing illegal blockades.

Don Morgan also says that a special mediator will only be made available if both sides agree to go back to the bargaining table.

The government contends that what Unifor is proposing is binding arbitration by another name but that the mechanism is available in any labour dispute in the province only if both sides agree. The government can’t impose binding arbitration under the existing legislation.

The government also contends that the dispute has the potential to affect the Saskatchewan economy.

Unifor Local 594 has offered a plan that would allow them to go back to work at the Co-op Refinery in Regina on Monday. It would require: The appointment of mediator with the power to enforce an agreement if need be; the immediate removal of replacement workers; and the immediate removal of picket lines. Unifor says the mediator should be able to enforce a binding agreement if after seven days, the two sides can’t reach a negotiated settlement.