Workers at Shell and Motiva plants in Texas and Louisiana joined the nationwide refinery workers’ strike this past weekend after the latest round of contract negotiations broke down. The strike now includes Motiva’s Port Arthur, Texas, and Norco and Convent, La., refineries and Shell’s chemical plant in Norco.
Shell officials said in an internal memo the key barrier to an agreement is the United Steelworkers' demand that union employees replace non-union routine maintenance contractors. Shell called this demand “unreasonable,” saying the utilization of contractors provides the hiring flexibility needed to accommodate economic cycles and maintenance schedules.
The union rejected Shell’s seventh offer Friday as talks resumed following a weeklong break. It is not known when the two sides will resume negotiations again.
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