Efforts between workers at the Co-Op Refinery and its union to get a new deal have entered a 14 day mandated cooling-off period.

This comes after Unifor Local 594 decided to forgo further mediation which was a process the company was hoping would result in a new contract.

In a release, the refinery says an offer was presented last week which would have seen an 11 and three quarters percent pay raise over the next four years along with access to a company performance plan based on the refinery’s overall performance.

Following the cooling-off period, a 48 hour strike or lock-out notice can be given.

The refinery says a plan is in place should workers go off the job that will ensure the safety of other employees, the community and the Western Canadian fuel supply.

Management are hopeful a deal can be reached and is encouraging the union to resume meaningful talks.