Union agrees to US refineries contract, averting nationwide strike

[Omaha Steve]

https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/union-approves-national-agreement-negotiated-with-marathon-30000-oil-industry-2026-02-06/

By Erwin Seba and Nicole Jao
February 6, 20262:20 PM CSTUpdated February 6, 2026

HOUSTON, Feb 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. United Steelworkers union adopted on Friday a national agreement on pay and benefits, averting a nationwide strike that could have affected 30,000 workers at 26 companies operating crude oil refineries and petrochemical plants.

The agreement was negotiated between the union and leading U.S. refiner Marathon Petroleum (MPC.N), opens new tab on behalf of the refiners and chemical producers.

"We are pleased that Marathon and the USW have successfully negotiated a pattern agreement for new collective bargaining contracts in the U.S. refining industry," said Marathon spokesperson Jamal Kheiry. "We look forward to our local sites moving forward with the ratification process."

The four-year agreement will lift pay for hourly workers by 15%. It also provides a $2,500 signing bonus for USW-represented employees. USW members are employed at refineries that account for about two-thirds of U.S. national capacity.

FULL story at link above.


A Marathon sign is seen outside Marathon Petroleum (MPC.N) Detroit refinery in Detroit, Michigan U.S., September 9, 2024. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights