Union Members Tackle Negotiations

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By MacLeod Hageman

Story Published: Feb 1, 2012 at 8:09 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 1, 2012 at 8:53 PM MDT

BILLINGS - The United Steelworkers says it is close to a new labor agreement with three Billings refineries.

ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, and CHS have all reached tentative agreements with the United Steelworkers Union. The union says all parties agreed to extensions while they are working towards an agreement that union members would vote on in February. ConocoPhillips and CHS officials agreed to honor the previous contract on a day-by-day basis until a new deal is reached.

Right now, union members are busy making sure what negotiations were discussed during Tuesday night's meeting are properly outlined in their contracts. Officials say it has been a long process, but it will be well worth the work come February 16th.

"We wanted to do this Conoco as partners to make this a better refinery, give it long-term viability, make sure we protected the workers and the community. And, I think that's exactly what they accomplished," said Wade Johnson; Conco Steelworkers Union Chairman. Johnson said the last time Conoco workers went on strike was 1980.

ExxonMobil said it has an extension in place until Friday night. At that time, another extension could happen or workers could decide to strike. Union members are expected to vote on the tentative agreement February 14th. If approved, the contract will go to the refineries by the 16th.

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