Unifor and FCL Remain at Odds

Today, Feb. 4, is Day 61 of the labour dispute between Unifor 594 and Federated Co-ops Limited at the Co-op Refinery in Regina with no end in sight.

Bargaining resumed Jan. 31 after Unifor removed barricades around the refinery complex. Talks broke down later that evening and barricades went back up in defiance of a court order.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has said he will appoint a special mediator to help with the conflict if the barricades come down.

Pensions are at the heart of this disruption.

To hear the perspective of both sides, listen to our in-depth discussion with Scott Doherty of Unifor and Vic Huard of FCL at

https://eachforall.coop/a-co-op-a-union-and-a-nation-wide-labor-dispute/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/unifor-co-op-refinery-ndp-leader-1.5449651

Quebec Government funds Human Resources Co-ops

In response to a scarcity of labour, the Quebec government has allocated more than $600,000 to the Quebec Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals to fund 10 co-ops focusing on human resources. Each of the new coops will pool resources and share costs to hire HR advisors for mutual benefit. It’s hoped this pilot project will assist small and medium enterprises with recruiting, training and retaining skilled workers.

https://www.thenews.coop/145419/topic/business/quebec-government-to-help-set-up-hr-co-ops/

BC Credit Union supports staff dealing with domestic violence

Community Savings Credit Union, with branches in BC’s Lower Mainland and Victoria, has approved a new policy that would grant up to 10 days of paid leave to staff dealing with the fallout from domestic abuse or sexualized assault.

CEO Mike Schilling said “no decent employer would refuse to support a friend and colleague who is working through such difficult circumstances.”

Unionized staff of the financial co-operative can also apply for 15 weeks of unpaid leave.

This new policy follows a call by the BC Federation of Labour for the province to legislate improved leave for workers dealing with domestic violence.

https://www.tricitynews.com/news/poco-credit-union-workers-to-get-10-days-paid-leave-to-deal-with-domestic-violence-1.2406355