Workers at Tesoro refineries belonging to four locals of the United Steelworkers, including L.A.’s USW Local 675, have been in negotiations with Tesoro for several months. The company is trying to force union members to waive some of their basic collective bargaining rights and reduce pensions by almost 50%. The United Steelworkers has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Tesoro and will vote next week on whether to go on strike.
On Thursday, May 10, USW Local 675 held three rallies outside the Tesoro refinery in Wilmington with 100% participation from workers inside. Several L.A. labor unions were there in support along with community groups.
“Tesoro represents the 1%. If we go on strike, we are going to picket Tesoro service stations across L.A. County including Shell and U.S.A. Gasoline stations,” says Dave Campbell, Secretary-Treasurer of USW Local 675. “We are going to need the support of the public and all of our sisters and brothers in L.A. Labor on the picket lines in this battle of the 99% versus the 1%.”
Please hang in there as it is important to the workers to have a decent life!! The Union is the force being us together to support the workers!!