Union says talks to end U.S. refinery strike 'moving along'

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Reuters

BY ERWIN SEBA

(Reuters) - The union representing striking U.S. refinery workers said on Tuesday that renewed talks with oil companies for a settlement to the 38-day work stoppage were "moving along."

A meeting in Houston between negotiators for the United Steelworkers union (USW) and Shell Oil Co, representing U.S. refinery owners, ran into Tuesday night.

While the USW's message about progress in the talks began on a positive note, it also carried a threat.

"Bargaining is moving along," the message reads. "Industry needs to close the gaps and end the strike or see it expand."

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/11/us-refineries-labor-strike-idUSKBN0M704Q20150311

[Dustlawyer]

1. The main issues of the strike involve Health and Safety. The refiners/oil companies have been

taking short cuts to increase production prior to the drop in oil prices. Since corporations are now 100% for short term, quarterly profits, process safety has taken a back seat! This is what caused the BP Texas City explosion on March 23, 2005, that killed 15 and injured thousands! These companies want the flexibility to cut corners, that's why they have weakened OSHA and the EPA to the point that they are irrelevant. The unions are the only obstacle in their way!