Hundreds of vehicles containing job-actioned Co-op Refinery workers, family, friends and supporters circled the Saskatchewan legislature in hopes of reminding Premier Scott Moe and company that they are “ready to work.”
Rally attendees met at the Conexus Arts Centre before arriving at the Saskatchewan legislature building Wednesday morning. Attendees drove in loops honking their horns displaying signs and flags supporting Unifor 594 members in hopes of gaining the attention of the provincial government, who they want to legislate a settlement based on recommendations laid out by provincial mediator Vince Ready.
Union members have been in the midst of a job-action strike for the last 146 days. Members called for a strike vote on Dec. 3 with votes being counted on Dec. 4. Over 97 per cent of the near 75 per cent of members who voted were in favour of taking a stance with job action.
Members took to a job action vote in hopes of gaining choice and protection to ensure pension security for workers, according to Unifor 594’s website.
They have been locked out since Dec. 5.
“Protection is about ensuring pension security for those who choose to remain in the defined benefit plan like they were promised when they began working at the refinery,” said Unifor 594’s website.
Of the 1,115 people working at the Co-op Refinery, 729 are unionized members.
