U.S. refinery deal hits roadblocks at 8 striking plants

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Reuters

BY ERWIN SEBA HOUSTON

(Reuters) - A tentative national agreement to end a six-week strike at twelve U.S. refineries has struggled to win ratification at eight plants as workers and companies struggle to settle local issues, according to union officials.

The deal reached on Thursday by the United Steelworkers (USW) and lead industry negotiator Royal Dutch Shell Plc to end the biggest walkout of its kind in 35 years is showing signs of quick passage at just four plants.

The four sites where the deal is finding support and progress is being made on local issues are at facilities owned or co-owned by Shell.

Workers at these plants, which include three Motiva Enterprises refineries, have scheduled or are expected to hold votes this week to ratify the agreement. They could be back at work next week.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/16/us-refineries-labor-strikes-idUSKBN0MC1RT20150316

[Hulk]

1. Just curious...

Does the timing of a labor walk out at US refineries have any coincidence with the market having been flooded with petroleum product, hence lower fuel costs? Or is this something else?

[FreakinDJ]

2. USW agreement

The Building Trades and the USW at the International level came to an agreement about 2 weeks ago. That's why the Oil Companies stopped putting "Poison Pills" in their counter offers and the 2 reached an agreement

The agreement included language concerning "Staffing Levels" (contractor / company employee ratios) that would be decided at the local level

Can't speak for Shell but Tesoro fired a couple guys while they were out on strike and that is why they haven't agreed to go back to work. BTW - Tesoro is losing enough money daily to pay the guys wages for life