Unions push back as U.S. refiners shunt aside longtime trade workers Reuters 3 hrs ago
By Laura Sanicola
May 4 (Reuters) - Operators of U.S. Midwest refiners, including BP, Marathon Petroleum Corp and Cenovus, are hiring lower-cost subcontractors to handle massive, months-long maintenance projects, setting aside longtime unionized workers, six sources familiar with the projects told Reuters.
Refiners have sold assets and closed facilities and now are trying to cut labor expenses in response to the pandemic, with seven U.S. plants closed since the coronavirus lockdowns crushed fuel demand.
Unions, however, claim that shifting to less-trained workers undermines long-established refinery safety standards, and takes high-paying jobs away from locals who have served the industry for decades.
Unions push back as U S refiners hire subcontractors for maintenance projects
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Fuel shortages across Eastern Canada and parts of the United States are possible if plans by Michigan Senator Gretchen Whitmer to close Enbridgeâs Line 5 move forward, according to a report from the Canadian Senate.Â
The alternative to shortages is thousands of more fuel-laden tanker trucks and hundreds of rail cars â along with higher prices.Â
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Try refreshing your browser. Enbridgeâs Line 5 conflict heats up Back to video
âLine 5 is a significant aspect of Canadaâs relationship with the United States and contributes to secure energy supplies in both countries. Its shutdown could have many implications, including reduced safety, shortages of various products, on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, transportation bottlenecks for Albertaâs crude oil, and job losses for the Canadian and American workers.âÂ