The Saskatchewan Trucking Association says trucking companies are welcoming financial relief coming from Federated Co-op in the aftermath of the Unifor labour dispute at the Co-op refinery complex.

FCL announced Wednesday that they would be paying 75% of what the trucking companies would normally be paid, but the STA says some cost recovery is better than swallowing the entire cost for trucks being barricaded out of facilities in Regina and Carseland, Alberta. There will be 40 trucking companies receiving the funding.

Board of Directors member Heather Day said STA members are very thankful for the support.

“For some of the companies, we are looking at truck payments, you’re looking at rent or mortgage on facilities, and if the trucks aren’t moving, you aren’t able to generate any revenue.”

Day said some companies were compensating their drivers, which further put the company in the hole.

“Those drivers were not able to go to work because of the blockades, then we were previously not getting any revenue, but still trying to make sure those drivers were looked after.”

Both FCL and Unifor are back at the bargaining table this week with special mediator Vince Ready. While that is happening, trucks are now moving in and out of the refinery.