Exxon Mobil Corp. said on June 17 it rejected proposals by the United Steelworkers (USW) union to end a seven-week lockout at the company's Beaumont, Texas, refinery.
Exxon Mobil locked out about 650 union workers on May 1 after a prior labor contract expired. It cited a risk of a strike by the USW-represented employees. The plant, which makes gasoline and Mobil 1 motor oil, has continued to operate using managers and replacement staff.
A union official confirmed the two sides met for about two hours on June 17, but declined to discuss any proposals. No date for another negotiation session has been set.
RELATED:
Exxon Mobil Begins Lockout of Workers from Beaumont, Texas Plant
“They told us: ‘We're not compelled to move,’” said Mark Morgan, chairman of the negotiating committee representing union workers at the 369,000-bbl/d refinery and lubricant oil plant.
In a statement posted online, Exxon Mobil said the company and union remain far apart based on the June 17 meeting.
“The union provided five partial proposals which included items that significantly increase cost and do not meet the objectives we informed the union of in January,” Exxon Mobil said.
The company also said its lead negotiator was prepared to meet with the union’s lead negotiator next week.
The USW proposals were offers on specific issues the union was willing to make changes to if Exxon Mobil reciprocated on its issues, sources familiar with the matter said.
The company has insisted the union call a vote on its last proposal, which was made in April. Exxon Mobil said its proposal is needed to ensure flexibility to compete in low-margin environments.
The USW has refused to call a vote, saying Exxon Mobil’s proposal would eliminate seniority and create two separate contracts for the refinery and lubricant plant.
Recommended Reading
Colonial’s Line 1 Gasoline Service Restored, Company Says
2025-01-20 - Colonial Pipeline Co. stopped flows on the gasoline transport line following reports of a leak in Georgia.
Targa Buys Back Bakken Assets After Strong 2024
2025-02-20 - Targa Resources Corp. is repurchasing its interest in Targa Badlands LLC for $1.8 billion and announced three new projects to expand its NGL system during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Glenfarne Signs on to Develop Alaska LNG Project
2025-01-09 - Glenfarne has signed a deal with a state-owned Alaskan corporation to develop a natural gas pipeline and facilities for export and utility purposes.
Bracewell: Many Await Updates to Existing CO2 Pipeline Safety Regulations
2025-01-15 - Pipeline proponents are facing challenges and have been hampered by the lack of clarity regarding CO2 pipeline safety regulations.
Trans Mountain Says Projects Could Expand Pipeline Capacity by 300,000 bbl/d
2025-02-06 - Trans Mountain is looking at expansion projects in the short and long terms that could add between 200,000 bbl/d and 300,000 bbl/d of capacity to the company's system.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.