(Toronto) – The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), which represents one million unionized workers, and advocates on behalf of all working people in the province of Ontario, sends solidarity and support to the 730 members of Unifor Local 594 who remain locked out by their employer, Federated Co-op Ltd in Saskatchewan.
The Monday evening intervention by police and the subsequent arrest of those on the picket line, peacefully protesting the continued lockout of Regina Co-op Refinery workers, underscores the need for this dispute to come to an end.
“These courageous members of Unifor Local 594, who have been locked out by their employer and on a picket line for nearly 50 days, enduring frigid weather conditions and escalating tactics by local police, have the unwavering support and solidarity of Ontario’s labour movement,” said OFL President Patty Coates. “The employer is making billions in profit annually while workers walk the picket line against pension concessions. The contrast underscores the injustice of this situation.”
The OFL joins with the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in calling for a de-escalation of tensions on the picket lines, and a return to fair bargaining to end the nearly two-month long lockout.
“These workers’ fight to protect their pensions is our fight,” said Coates. “Workers and the unions that represent them united arm in arm in solidarity is a powerful force,” said Patty Coates.
The Ontario Federation of Labour is Canada’s largest labour federation, representing 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter.
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To arrange interviews or for more information, please contact:
Meagan Perry, Director of Communications
Ontario Federation of Labour
mperry@ofl-org.flywheelsites.com l 416-894-3456
