UPDATE 1-Union says U.S. refinery workers' contract talks moving slowly

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Reuters

With just a week of bargaining left until the national contract for U.S. refinery workers expires, the United Steelworkers union (USW) said talks with oil company representatives for a new pact were going slow, according to a Twitter message sent to members.

"It's time for the industry to get serious about addressing issues that matter to USW members," the message said. "Be ready to stand up and fight back!"

The USW rejected the first industry proposal on Friday, calling it "inadequate and offensive," according to a message sent to members.

A spokesman for Royal Dutch Shell Plc, the lead negotiator for U.S. refinery owners, confirmed that an initial offer had been made to the USW, but declined to discuss details.

FULL story at link.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/25/refinery-labor-talks-idUSL1N0V404L20150125

[blackspade]

1. Ah, so speculators have new 'reason' to drive up prices....

And blame unions.....

[cstanleytech]

3. That or they had reason for wanting the price to decline for awhile as

they they will probably try to use the lower oil price put pressure on the union to accept a contract that provides far less in the way of money and benefits and then once the price of oil goes back up the companies and speculators will pocket the money that should have gone to the workers.

[iandhr]

2. Time to bring in a mediator?