Federated Co-op Limited (FCL) is looking to build a 510-bed temporary work camp near its Regina refinery, as the company continues collective bargaining negotiations. In a statement to CTV News, FCL director of communications and spokesperson Brad DeLorey elaborated on the company’s intentions, saying the camp will provide the Co-op Refinery Complex with “flexibility if supplementary resources are required to operate, maintain or repair the Refinery.” DeLorey did note the camp could be used during possible labour disruptions. Unifor 594 represents more than 700 unionized workers at the refinery. FCL and the union are in the midst of collective bargaining – as the deal that ended a six-month labour dispute back in 2020 officially expired on Jan. 31, 2026. CTV News has reached out to Unifor Local 594 for comment on the situation. FCL’s proposed camp would be constructed east of the refinery site, north of McDonald Street and west of Fleet Street. In the project application, the city notes that any work camp larger than 20 beds must be reviewed through the discretionary use procedure and approved by city council. Following a public and technical review process which is already underway, city administration will submit the report and its recommendation to council. Unifor and FCL entered a deadlock during the last round of negotiations – with the dispute garnering national headlines. Workers blocked trucks from entering and leaving the refinery complex in protest of the state of negotiations and the company’s use of replacement workers and managers. Then-Unifor national president Jerry Dias along with 13 other union members were arrested at one point during the demonstrations. A tentative deal was reached June 19, 2020 and ratified days later.
