Around 800 workers at the Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina, owned by Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), have been locked out since December 5 after they stood up against attempts at weakening their pensions. FCL has since tried to keep operations going by bringing in replacement workers—scabs. 

In response, the workers, with the support of their union, have held strong on their picket line day after day. 

PSAC National President Chris Aylward issued the following statement: 

PSAC condemns FCL’s attack on the pensions of its workers. Here’s a cooperative that reported nearly a billion dollars in profit last year yet says it can’t afford to give its workers, who generate that profit, the retirement security they deserve. This is a profound betrayal of cooperative values. 

The locked-out workers are an inspiration to the labour movement. Despite the blistering cold and recent tensions with police on the picket lines, they’ve stood strong for their rights and against FCL’s greed. 

PSAC calls on FCL to return to the bargaining table right away.