On Monday, January 20, 2020, the Regina Police Service arrested seven individuals as the result of enforcement action at one picket line outside the Co-op Refinery Complex.
From the beginning of this labour dispute, the Regina Police Service has defined its role as keeping the peace and ensuring public safety. The law upholds the rights of the union to lawful protest; likewise, the law recognizes the company’s right to conduct business. On Monday, January 20, 2020, police learned that Unifor members had completely blocked the entrances/exits to the Co-op Refinery Complex, not allowing vehicles to enter or exit the property, in spite of a recent court order which sets out the rules of engagement for both sides in the dispute. Regina Police Service members attended to Gate 7 at the Refinery, the afternoon of January 20th. Picketing members of Unifor were notified, once again, of the court order preventing them from blocking ingress or egress. Unifor members who are not members of Local 594, were informed that they may be subject to arrest on criminal matters if they chose to ignore the court order or interfere with the lawful operation of the business. Starting at approximately 5:15 p.m., Regina Police Service members arrested seven adult males and transported them to the Regina Police Service detention area.
Names of the accused and charges will be released once those details are available.