Husky spokesman Mel Duvall in Calgary says in an e-mail that the company was 'disappointed' the union walked out of the talks.Husky Energy and United Steelworkers Local 624 appear to be headed in different directions. That according to union leadership.
Union President Mike Edelbrock tells Your News Now Tuesday was a major setback as the first contract talks between the two sides in nearly two weeks lasted only 40 minutes. After hearing the companies proposals, the union negotiating team decided to pack up and walk out of the talks.
Edelbrock says the company presented 5 proposals that were worse than they proposed 2 weeks ago.
He says they included wage reductions for news hires and trainees and Edelbrock says the company also wants to alter the 3 year international contract that Husky has not signed off on.
He says after those proposals there was no need for more discussions.
Edelbrock says he's been involved in a lot of negotiations and this is the first time the proposals continue to get worse, making him feel Husky's not interested in a deal any time soon.
He says they'll review the proposals with the membership and see if Husky changes its tune.
Husky spokesman Mel Duvall in Calgary says in an e-mail that the company was 'disappointed' the union walked out of the talks.
He says they are still committed to continuing the negotiating process but at this time no new talks are scheduled. He says the issues on the table are important for securing the mid and long-term viability of the refinery and that means achieving the right agreement.
The strike began on May 25th.
