Brothers and Sisters,
Contract negotiations are ongoing at both the national and local levels. At the national table, the industry continues to ignore the issues that the membership thinks are important. Our top table has rejected three offers that have failed to address most of our issues.
Locally, bp has insisted that they will not meet NOBP pattern at the refinery or the pipelines. They are demanding we waive all our “rights under applicable federal, state, or local labor laws” related to the implementation of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
At the Refinery table, we have made very little progress. We only have tentative agreements on an increase in allowances for overtime meal payments and safety boot vouchers. However, we are still at odds over all of the company’s most heinous proposals such as: transitioning the OSB role to a salaried position; elimination of the OSF role; elimination of the Builder, Equipment Handler, HVAC, and Fresh Air craft lines, elimination of the Environmental Technicians; reduction in the number of I&E Techs, Machinists, and Metals Mechanics; strike and lockout language; seniority; layoff language and wage reductions to name a few.
At the Pipeline table the company continues to insist on sweeping management rights language, as well as eliminations of seniority and bidding rights.
Today, the company offered a contract extension that would move our contract expiration date to February 28th at 11:59 p.m. The Union rejected this contract extension.
With the contract deadline approaching, we understand that this news can be concerning. We will continue to work through the weekend on issues that are important to both the membership and the company. It is important that you report to work as scheduled to ensure the safe operation of our facilities. We also ask that you continue to demand from management a fair contract for all our bargaining units. Your continued solidarity in the field will send a clear message that we stand united and are not willing to settle for anything less.
While there is no intent to have a work stoppage, we need to be prepared. Our plans for strike or lockout have been initiated. We ask that you not be alarmed by this activity. We will continue to bargain with the goal of reaching an agreement that is mutually beneficial by February 1st. However, as a preparation step, we suggest that you remove any personal items from company property. Please review the picket schedule on our website and be prepared to do your part to staff the picket locations in the event of a work stoppage.
In the event of a tentative agreement, contract extension agreement, strike, or lockout you will receive a communication from the Union via email and app push notification. Until that time, please continue to report to work as scheduled.
Again, please remain focused to ensure the continued safe operation of our facilities. We have confidence that, with your continued solidarity, we will reach a fair agreement.
In Solidarity,
Board of Directors
USW Local 7-1
