Union says refinery workers strike more likely

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

http://news.yahoo.com/union-says-refinery-workers-strike-more-likely-011926809.html

By Erwin Seba | Reuters – Sat, Jan 28, 2012

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The United Steelworkers union warned on Saturday that a strike by U.S. refinery workers as early as 12 a.m. Wednesday was becoming more likely due to "the lack of a more substantive response from the industry."

Union and oil company negotiators have been meeting since January 17 to hammer out a new three-year agreement for workers at nearly two-thirds of U.S. refining capacity.

Union negotiators have not sent out a similar warning to refinery workers in the past three rounds of contract talks with the industry.

Shell Oil Co, which is the lead oil company negotiator, said on Saturday it would work toward an agreement.

"We continue to negotiate with the goal of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement with USW," said Shell spokeswoman Kayla Macke.

Previously, Shell had said it was optimistic a deal could be reached.

In the statement issued Saturday night, the USW's bargaining committee said that without further progress in the talks a strike could take place at "one or more locations when the collective bargaining agreements expire."

Talks between the two sides were scheduled to continue through the weekend.

USW spokeswoman Lynne Hancock said the union would make no further statements on Saturday.

In the lead-up to this year's talks, the Steelworkers union warned that the lack of improved safety protections for workers at the nation's refineries could bring about the first nationwide strike since 1980.

Eighteen workers have died at U.S. refineries since the last agreement in 2009, according to the union.

As much as 11 percent of U.S. refining capacity could temporarily shut due to a strike lasting three months, sources have said.

In addition to possible shutdowns, oil companies have been training temporary replacement workers to continue to operate their refineries in the event of work stoppage.

One source said refiners' preparations for a possible strike are unlike any seen in 20 years.

Industry analysts have said they thought the chances of a strike were slim.

During the 1980 strike, refiners kept their plants in operation by using trained supervisors and engineers to replace hourly workers who operate and maintain equipment.

Shell Oil Co is the U.S. unit of energy giant Royal Dutch Shell Plc .

[Tim/Mav 305]

Unions have deteriated to untrustworthy BUll-shet. There are thousands of workers ready to take their job and feed their families. When those Union workers realize that it will be to late. What do they think this is: Corporate Goverment has allready shown us that we are a FLUSHABLE PIECE OF #### and to be disposed of at any time.

I have a Pension with My Union but I don't know if they will ever pay when that time comes when I retire. It is a MISTAKE in these days to get Cocky about demands. See the Unemployment Lines and lower paying jobs for the same skills you possess now.

Unions are LAYING OFF their own Reps because they can't afford it.

[natty bumppo 297]

not to worry ... there are lots of illegals in the houston metro area (sanctuary city) to keep the local establishments flowing ...

after all ... who needs supervisors/ engineers when there is a plethora of expendable scabs

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Unions have deteriated to untrustworthy BUll-shet. There are thousands of workers ready to take their job and feed their families. When those Union workers realize that it will be to late. What do they think this is: Corporate Goverment has allready shown us that we are a FLUSHABLE PIECE OF #### and to be disposed of at any time.

I have a Pension with My Union but I don't know if they will ever pay when that time comes when I retire. It is a MISTAKE in these days to get Cocky about demands. See the Unemployment Lines and lower paying jobs for the same skills you possess now.

Unions are LAYING OFF their own Reps because they can't afford it.

If you read the article you would have noticed the reason the union is talking strike is the fact that 18 refinery workers have died since 2009 and yet the oil companies who make billions do not want to do anything to improve safety. So I'm guessing your cool with dead refinery workers?

[Tim/Mav 305]

If you read the article you would have noticed the reason the union is talking strike is the fact that 18 refinery workers have died since 2009 and yet the oil companies who make billions do not want to do anything to improve safety. So I'm guessing your cool with dead refinery workers?

No, I'm not Cool with death and injuries. I myself know that if a circumstance of this matter results, the Union and Insurance Companies will come in to defend the Employer. Why, to protect their Interests.

The Union wants the Employer to deduct a percentage of the Employees earnings and send it to them. The Insurance Companies will try to deny any Claim as a result of Injury/Death. They also will conduct their own investigations.

Unions cant make money by protecting the average us. Insurance Companies are there to SCREW YOU as well.

If you die On The Job. You won't know anything anyway.

Don't rely on a Union. But separate Insurance Policies to protect your family.

Additionaly, You are aware that SS only pays $250.00 in death benefits. Also, your Unions only supply (on average) $1,000.00 in death benefits to bury your ####.

GET A POLICY OUTSIDE OF A UNION TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. Talk to any Financial Advisor or your Bank free of charge.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

No, I'm not Cool with death and injuries. I myself know that if a circumstance of this matter results, the Union and Insurance Companies will come in to defend the Employer. Why, to protect their Interests.

The Union wants the Employer to deduct a percentage of the Employees earnings and send it to them. The Insurance Companies will try to deny any Claim as a result of Injury/Death. They also will conduct their own investigations.

Unions cant make money by protecting the average us. Insurance Companies are there to SCREW YOU as well.

If you die On The Job. You won't know anything anyway.

Don't rely on a Union. But separate Insurance Policies to protect your family.

Additionaly, You are aware that SS only pays $250.00 in death benefits. Also, your Unions only supply (on average) $1,000.00 in death benefits to bury your ####.

GET A POLICY OUTSIDE OF A UNION TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY. Talk to any Financial Advisor or your Bank free of charge.

I guess it depends on the union and the local. Iv'e been a member of four different unions over the years(iron workers, pipe fitters, teamsters, and laborers) and Iv'e never witnessed anything like that. The union has done nothing but right by me, my dad, grandpa, his brothers, my uncles, my brothers and my cousins.

Of course other than the teamsters, the others were trades unions. I have no idea about unions that cover factory workers, government workers, teachers, etc...