Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) will be giving cash payments to independently contracted trucking companies affected by Unifor’s blockade of the Regina refinery and other Co-op sites.

The payments will be about 75 per cent of what truckers would have been making, applied retroactively to lease operators in Regina as well as those in Alberta and Winnipeg.

“We value the perseverance and support of all our independent trucking fleet partners and we recognize how badly Unifor’s illegal blockades hurt them,” Scott Banda, FCL’s chief executive officer, said in a statement issued Wednesday.

“Unifor’s illegal actions have negatively affected their individual well-being and that of their families, so we’re doing all we can to help them.”

About 40 companies will receive the payments.

In a statement, Saskatchewan Trucking Association board member Heather Day was appreciative.

“The last two months have been difficult for both small and large independent lease operators. The men and women who join the trucking industry, and particularly the fuel transportation sector, are vitally aware of our responsibilities to the public and the essential role we play in maintaining Canadians’ way of life,” she said.

“We’re very appreciative that FCL and (the Co-op Refinery Complex) recognize the hardships that we have endured during this labour disruption. The lease operators, drivers, and our other staff take immense pride in helping to fuel Western Canada and are wholly committed to ensuring fuel is delivered across the West.”

Truckers were delayed at the picket line at the refinery during the dispute and, in one case, a number of trucks were locked in at the facility after Unifor put up fences behind them.

The lockout at the refinery started Dec. 5.