The Co-op Refinery Complex is not accepting all recommendations from a provincially appointed mediator in their labour dispute with Unifor local 594.

In a news release, Co-op says while mediators Amanda Rogers and Vince Ready made recommendations they agree with, they are unable to accept all aspects of the report, adding they must act responsibly towards their owners, employees and customers.

Co-op also says the impacts of COVID-19 have put the refinery in a much more difficult bargaining position than when negotiations began.

Unifor has responded, saying they are shocked by Co-op’s decision, and even accused Co-op of using COVID-19 as leverage to get a better deal.

Unifor national president Jerry Dias says he will be making a formal request to Premier Scott Moe to intervene.