To: All BMRF/B&P Employees
The purpose of this note is to keep you updated regarding recent labor activity across our sites.
Down the Road – Baton Rouge, LA
On May 19, 2021, Baton Rouge Polyolefins Plant (BRPO) Process and Mechanical employees filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to decertify their local union, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 407.
After the Company successfully fought blocking charges by the Union (which delayed represented employees’ right to vote), the NLRB scheduled a vote via secret ballot election on July 14-16 where employees were given the opportunity to decide for themselves whether to decertify from the Union or to continue to allow the IUOE Local 407 to represent them.
The NLRB election was held July 14-16. After the polls closed on Friday, July 16, the NLRB agent who oversaw the election counted ballots. The Baton Rouge Polyolefins Plant employees have voted and have chosen almost 2-1 to no longer be represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 407.
The election results were as follows:
- YES (in favor of the IUOE): 51
- NO (against the IUOE): 96
The Union has seven days after the election to file objections to the election. During that time period, the same rules that applied before the election will continue. In other words, the Company cannot make any promises or changes in regard to existing wages and benefits or other terms.
Up North – Clinton, NJ
After over three years of bargaining without a contract or wage increases, the Independent Laboratory Employees Union (ILEU) representing workers at our Clinton, New Jersey facility, held a vote on the Company’s offer. This offer included a 3 year contract with the below provisions:
- Wage increases of 1.5% (2021), 2.0% (2022), and 2.5% (2023)
- Ratification bonus of $2,500
- Some additional benefits (i.e. five days parental leave)
- Additional management flexibility regarding contracting
On July 14, 2021, employees in New Jersey voted to reject the Company’s offer. Following this rejection, the ratification bonus was removed from the Company’s offer, however, all other aspects of the offer remain unchanged at this time.
Locally – Beaumont, TX
At this time, the Company’s offer remains available for a vote by the membership. There are no meetings between the Company and Union scheduled at this time. As always, we will keep you updated on any future developments.