Toledo Refinery Workers OK New Contract with BP-Husky

Vote Ends Labor Dispute, Part of National Strike That Began in February

Contact: Patrick Gallagher: (216) 292-5683, pgallagher@usw.org

TOLEDO, Ohio (June 5) — About 320 members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 346 will be returning to work at the BP-Husky oil refinery in Toledo after the union members approved a new four-year contract with management.

The vote brings to an end the labor dispute that began Feb.8, when the Toledo workers joined thousands of other USW refinery workers nationwide who had initiated an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike against the oil industry on Feb. 1. The ULP strike eventually included 15 refineries and chemical plants who were concerned about the industry’s failure to address health and safety issues.

“We look forward to putting this dispute behind us and moving forward with a contract that helps us guarantee safer workplaces for our members and safer communities for our neighbors and families,” said David McCall, director of USW District 1, which comprises the state of Ohio.

The USW last week made an unconditional offer to return to work as bargaining continued. The Toledo refinery is a 50-50 joint venture between British Petroleum and Husky Energy.

“Our objective all along was to reach an agreement that was fair to both sides and that addressed serious concerns about safety in what can be an extremely dangerous industry,” McCall said. “We believe that this contract accomplishes those goals.”

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.

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