Thousands of refinery workers (24,000) prepare to picket Valero, BP, Shell [View All]

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5genrxzk3TNuqfaTh9k6e0hm8_u9QD962ESV00

HOUSTON (AP) — With a third contract offer rejected, some 24,000 refinery workers from the Gulf of Mexico to Montana prepared to head to the picket lines Saturday just hours before an existing labor agreement expires.

The nation's biggest refiner, Valero Energy Corp., said it would shut down some facilities if workers strike. So did European oil company BP PLC.

Shell Oil Co., the lead negotiator for the industry, along with Exxon Mobil Corp., said its refineries would continue to make gasoline, diesel and other fuels using nonunion or replacement workers.

Chemical refiners would also be affected. LyondellBassell Industries said it was bringing in managers from locations not involved in contract negotiations to keep refineries going.

A strike would affect 60 producers, according to Lynne Baker, a spokeswoman for the United Steelworkers, which represents more than 30,000 oil workers nationwide.

Bobby Hollis, chairman of the negotiating committee for the Steelworkers at Valero, said it was doubtful that there would be an agreement by the midnight deadline.

FULL story at link.