The Saskatchewan government is looking to assist with the resolution of the labour dispute between Unifor Local 594 and the Federated Co-op Refinery in Regina. To do this, Labour Relations Minister Don Morgan announced Wednesday morning he has appointed Vince Ready, who has mediated or arbitrated more than 7,000 labour and commercial disputes in Canada, as a special mediator to assist in negotiations.

The employees represented by Unifor have been locked out since December 5th, and negotiations have been far and few between. As part of the dispute, Unifor has established pickets and blockade in various parts of the prairies, including a day-long barricade of one of Prairie Sky Co-op’s gas bars in January.

“It is in the interest of both parties to negotiate a contract at the bargaining table,” Morgan said in the release. “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 two sides will first meet with the mediator on Tuesday. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, then the mediator will provide recommended terms for an agreement to both sides, as well as the minister. 

The government has given the two sides, and the mediator, 20 days to reach an agreement from the start of the negotiations.