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Show 1 T I I t f 1 Pmb 20 - UINTAH BASIN STANDARD. September 13. 1994 Ot? fllnl In 6 edition the September of the Standard, Pennzoil prod- WmMi unfairly. Our contract insures that such things as nepotism and the work place. ucts Company announced their decision to cease operation at the favoritism are not incurred in Roosevelt refinery. occurs in which management and the Union are at an impasse, the If a disagreement case can be presented to a third party (arbitrator) for binding Since that time, there has apparently been some misconcep- and helps tion about the effect that the local Union has had on this decision. judgement. This provides an employee's The officers and membership of Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Work- insure that a supervisor will not take unwarranted action against a day in court, 0 ers Local 2-9- would like to take this opportunity to clarify our 41 worker. Since the Union was organized, we have dealt with four position. One different companies. For the most part, the Union has had a good will notice in Pennzoils statement that "unreasonable At no time during negotiation has either labor demands were not mentioned as one of the factors involved relationship with them all. in the plan closure. Employees at the Roosevelt refinery have a party made unreasonable demands. We have never chosen, nor wage and benefit package which peers around the country. It is than those of many working in is mainly is somewhat below that of our have we been forced, to go on strike. Some people associate the word "Union with such true that our wages may be higher jobs non-indust- ry in the area. This onyms as Mafia or Gestapo. due to the length of time most of us have been employed at the plant. In relation to the amount of money involved operation of a refinery, the wages of non-salari- ed syn- Unions bring to their mind an image of militant leaders, whose strongarm tactics workers must follow. The actions of a few corrupt union officials in the past tend in the to cause some individuals to view employees are all organized labor as an evil entity. We appeal to these people to consider that Labor Unions simply not a large factor. The Union and Company negotiate over wages, benefits, and have played an integral part in the benefits and working conditions local issues every three years. The resulting agreements have usually that all American workers enjoy today. Unions are responsible for allowed for a cost of living increase of two to five percent each the eight hour day, forty hour week, and overtime. Union year. In the short term, this is not a great amount. Over a number ence is responsible for the Minimum Wage, for Unemployment of years, however, the wage increases accumulate. Compensation, Social Security, Workers Compensation, the During the boom years of the late seventies, many employ- influ- Fair Labor Standards Act, the Child Labor Act, the Civil Rights Act, ees quit the refinery to take higher paying jobs in the oilfield or the Age and Discrimination and Employment Act, Medicare, and related service industries. Those that chose to stay at the refinery O.S.H.A. Unions are committed to did so for the apparent security the job provided; they are the . to of living, to protecting employee rights, and fighting to insure a safe and fair workplace. If you are a working person in America, senior people at the plant today. It is beneficial providing a decent standard refining companies to encourage longevity in you have benefitted from Organized Labor. The closure of the Roosevelt Refinery is going to have a the work force. The hazard associated with processing crude oil often make our jobs demanding and dangerous. An experienced matic effect on this area. The members of Local work force is a valuable asset in a refinery. The disaster that oc- do everything curred in Pasadena, Texas in 1987 danger in this type of industry. is an example of the potential In this instance, contract employees were performing a job which the regular work force had deemed unsafe and refused to do. The resulting explosion was heard thirty miles away. Twenty three died, many more were injured. Our local membership is very proud of the fact that there has not been a death or crippling injury since the Union was organized. Other negotiated items indude such things as distribution of in our power to prevent this appeal to the citizens and businesses port in 2-9- 41 dra- intend to from happening. We the area to lend your sup- in any way you are able. We challenge Pennzoil Products Co. to entertain any offer for the purchase of the refinery, and to negotiate in good faith with any and all prospective buyers. We pledge our support to any company or party who is interested in the purchase of the refinery. Sincerely, J. Clerico, overtime, vacations, work schedules, and reasons for and methods Kent of employee discipline. We have a grievance procedure which on behalf of the brothers and sisters of Oil, Chemical, allows for recourse if an employee feels heshe has been treated Executive Board Member, and Atomic Workers Local 2-94- 1, Roosevelt |