Co-op Refinery says it's 'unable to accept' all mediators' recommendations

REGINA -- The Co-op Refinery says it is “unable to accept” the recommendations made by the special mediators.

“We thank Special Mediators Amanda Rogers and Vince Ready for their time and effort in meeting with us and thoughtfully considering both parties' positions,” Federated Co-op Ltd. wrote on Twitter.

In a news release, Co-op said it would need to make changes to the recommendations due to its responsibility to its employees, Co-op owners, customers and the community.

The company said in light of COVID-19, it is considering how to “reduce costs, delay capital spending, protect jobs" and make decisions around projects that may no longer be viable.

The CRC is unable to accept the special mediators’ recommendations in full. We thank Special Mediators Amanda Rogers and Vince Ready for their time and effort in meeting with us and thoughtfully considering both parties' positions. Full statement here: https://t.co/YV5HPJe1N6 https://t.co/3sZ1Fo5RhL

— Federated Co-op Ltd. (@CoopFCL) March 22, 2020

Unifor called the move "shocking."

Shocking decision from @CoopFCL to use #covid19Canada pandemic to reject mediator report that would have ended 108 day lockout of @unifor594 at @Cooprefinery This is disaster capitalism from a greedy multi- billion dollar conglomerate @skpoli @PremierScottMoe @SaskMLA https://t.co/PTtkiFZbF5

— Unifor (@UniforTheUnion) March 22, 2020

On Friday, Unifor Local 594 said it was prepared to accept the recommendations made by the special mediators.

Vince Ready was appointed as special mediator in the labour dispute in February.