Tentative deal could end Saskatoon Co-op strike

A ratification vote will be held this week on a tentative agreement to end a strike by hundreds of unionized Saskatoon Co-op workers that's dragged on for more than five months.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1,400 says the deal covering about 900 employees was reached early Sunday morning.

It followed two days of mediated talks between the union and Saskatoon Co-operative on Friday and Saturday.

Union spokesman Rod Gillies says details won't be made public until after the ballots are cast.

The tentative agreement also covers workers in Martensville, Warman, Colonsay and Watrous who are employed in retail food, gas bar, convenience store, agro centre, home centre and car wash operations.

The workers set up pickets Nov. 1 after rejecting a company offer that included lower wages for new employees.

Both sides had accused each other of not being flexible at the bargaining table and the union had asked for binding arbitration.

The employees have been without a contract for more than two years.