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Union calls for boycott of Ladner Co-op

The union representing Co-op refinery workers has called for a national boycott of all Co-op businesses including the Ladner gas station.
unifor president mikle smith
Unifor Local 2200 president Mike Smith wants the public to not shop at all Co-op gas stations, groceries and hardware stores.

The union representing Co-op refinery workers has called for a national boycott of all Co-op businesses including the Ladner gas station.

Unifor has been in a heated labour dispute with the company since about 800 Local 594 employees at the refinery in Regina were locked out by the Federated Co-operative Limited (FCL).

They were locked out after issuing strike notice earlier this month.

Mike Smith, president of Unifor Local 2200, said the union has called for a boycott of all Co-op businesses and services, including gas stations, hardware stores and grocers.

Several gas stations and stores have also been behind revolving picket lines throughout Western Canada, he said.

So far, the gas station on Highway 10 in Ladner has not been picketed.

FCL is owned by more than 200 Co-op retailers across the country.

The dispute is centered around wages and a benefit plan with both sides accusing the other of lacking respect.

Saying the profitable company is attempting to cut back worker benefits, Smith noted workers deserve the same deal already implemented by other energy sector workplaces.

The company filed an injunction against the union this week, claiming picketers at the refinery are engaging in inappropriate and dangerous behavior.

The union says the company has been bringing in supplies and replacement workers by helicopter.