Special Mediator Appointed To Assist In Co-Op Refinery Dispute

Released on February 12, 2020

Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan has appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator to assist in the negotiations between Unifor Local 594 and the Consumer’s Co-operative Refineries Limited.

The labour action began on December 5, 2019, at the Co-op Refinery Complex after the union issued strike notice and the Co-op issued lock-out notice to workers.

“It is in the interest of both parties to negotiate a contract at the bargaining table,” Morgan said.  “The parties have had the opportunity to negotiate an agreement and have been unsuccessful.  We are appointing a special mediator to help resolve the impasse because of the impact of the dispute on Saskatchewan families, communities and businesses.”

The special mediator will begin on February 18, 2020.  If the parties are unable to reach an agreement the mediator shall provide the parties and the minister with recommended terms for agreement.  The parties and mediator will have 20 days to reach a settlement.

“We have had success with the appointment of a special mediator in past disputes and are hopeful that the outstanding issues between the parties can be resolved with the assistance of Mr. Ready,” Morgan said.

Ready has worked in labour relations since 1965.  In 1982, he established his private 

arbitration/mediation practice.  Today, he is active in every province and territory in Canada and has arbitrated and or mediated more than 7,000 labour and commercial disputes in Canada.

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For more information, contact:

Gladys Wasylenchuk
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2411
Email: gladys.wasylenchuk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-8411