Refinery labour dispute, Maple Leaf Pool on Wednesday’s council agenda

Ward 3 Coun. Andrew Stevens is to put forward a notice of motion at Wednesday’s council meeting, suggesting the City of Regina to step in on the labour dispute at the Co-op oil refinery.

Stevens is asking council to “call upon the Provincial Government to use all of the tools at its disposal, up to and including legislation that allows for binding third party binding arbitration, to secure an equitable resolution to the dispute between the parties.”

He noted the dispute, poised to enter into its third month, “has created hardship for the local businesses, community members, truckers, trucking companies, the CRC, Unifor Local 594 members and their families.”

Stevens added that “as a result of political pressure” the Regina Police Service’s presence has escalated, “increasing the costs to taxpayers and drawing police resources away from more important public safety activities.”

The province appointed a special mediator, Vince Ready, earlier this month.

Talks between Unifor and the Co-op Refinery Complex began Feb. 18. Both parties were given 20 days to reach an agreement.

The labour dispute began in early December.

The main sticking point for both sides is pensions and who contributes to them.

Public consultation regarding the CNIB/Brandt building proposal

Stevens and Ward 2 Coun. Bob Hawkins also have a joint notice of motion, suggesting the city recommend to the Provincial Capital Commission (PCC) that it publishes a “detailed public consultation plan” for the CNIB/Brandt building proposal.

The recommendation was made to the PCC by the Provincial Auditor back in December.

The councillors write that a public consultation process would also need to be undertaken, in accordance with the new consultation plan, for the entire building, including the CNIB portion.

“The feedback from the consultation process can be considered by the PCC Board and its advisors as part of the decision-making process,” the notice of motion states.

More funding for Maple Leaf Pool build

The Finance and Administration Committee is recommending council approve an additional $880,000 from the Recreation/Culture Capital Program for the construction of Maple Leaf Pool.

The new design for the pool was unveiled in October. The initial $4.5-million price tag was approved in the city’s 2020 budget.