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 The last nationwide refinery workers strike was in 1980 and lasted
for three months.
Union and oil company negotiators met for a sixth day of
negotiations on Monday ahead of the current contract expiring at
12:01 a.m. on Sunday in the time zone where each refinery is
located.
Royal Dutch Shell Plc is leading the talks on behalf of companies
ranging from supermajors such as Exxon Mobil Corp and BP Plc to
smaller companies such as HollyFrontier Corp and Delek.
"Challenging bargaining continues," the USW said in a text message
to members on Monday night. "Industry still isn't getting serious.
Local unions are preparing to do whatever it takes to win fair
contracts."
 A USW spokeswoman said the union has prepared for a strike.
"We always prepare for a possible work stoppage when contract talks
take place," said Steelworker spokeswoman Lynne Hancock. "It's par
for the course. Our members are more mobilized now than they have
been before."
Refineries have also prepared for a possible strike by training
temporary replacement workers and by placing trailers on refinery
grounds as quarters for the replacement workers.
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The Steelworkers are seeking annual pay raises double those of the
last agreement. The union also wants work given to non-union
contractors to go to USW members, a tighter policy to prevent
workplace fatigue, and reductions in members' out-of-pocket payments
for healthcare.
A Shell representative was not immediately available to discuss
negotiations on Monday night. On Sunday, a company spokesman said
the company was optimistic a mutually satisfactory agreement with
the USW was possible.
The union represnts workers at 63 refineries that account for
two-thirds of U.S. refining capacity.
(Reporting by Erwin Seba)
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