The NDP describes layoffs at the Co-op Refinery in Regina as a disaster. The official oppositions says 87 people have been laid off and that mass layoffs and job losses in the energy sector is devastating for families and the local economy.

The NDP also says these workers have already been through an extremely tough year after having been unfairly locked out of their jobs during the pandemic.

A tentative agreement was ratified in June last year with union membership voting 89 per cent in favour of the offer from the employer.
730 Unifor workers were locked out of the Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina at the beginning of December 2019 after they held a strike vote. The six month long lockout included blockades and arrests.

A news release from the Refinery says formal notice has been given to the union that they intend to reduce the number of permanent in-scope positions, mostly because of operational efficiencies the company has achieved while preparing to shift to the low carbon economy. The CRC is hoping to reach an agreement with the union that could reduce layoffs by looking at current vacancies, normal attrition, and voluntary separations, including early retirements.