Marathon, Teamsters Negotiations Stalled as Strike Enters Third Week – Reuters

By Nicole Jao

NEW YORK – Marathon Petroleum and the Teamsters union, which represents refinery workers in Detroit, Michigan, have reached an impasse in negotiations for a new labor agreement as the strike at the plant continues into its third week.

More than 200 Teamsters at Marathon’s Detroit refinery initiated an economic strike on September 4 after months of discussions regarding pay and safety issues failed to yield an agreement. The previous contract expired in January.

"Unfortunately, the parties have not reached an agreement," stated a Marathon spokesperson.

Negotiations have included several sessions facilitated by a federal mediator, with meetings occurring recently on Friday and Sunday.

"We continue to be in regular communication with the federal mediator; however, no additional negotiation meetings are scheduled at this time," the spokesperson added.

Teamsters Local 283, which represents 273 workers at the Detroit refinery, reported that 95% of its members authorized the strike. Steve Hicks, President of Teamsters Local 283, indicated that Marathon representatives left the negotiating table during the latest discussions and canceled the upcoming session that was planned for this Friday.

The Detroit refinery began planned turnaround activities earlier this month. With a capacity of 140,000 barrels per day, it is one of Marathon’s 13 refineries, collectively responsible for approximately 2.9 million barrels per day of refining capacity.