To: All BMRF/B&P Employees
The purpose of this note is to provide you with an update on our ongoing bargaining with the USW Local 13-243.
After extensive review and discussion with the Union, the Company has decided to amend its offer. Over the last several months, the Union has made clear their interest in an offer which expands support for security and seniority. The Company has heard these interests and has amended its offer to provide further support to our employees while still achieving the Company’s objective of safe, reliable, and profitable operations.
During Monday’s meeting, the Company gave the Union a comprehensive amended offer, the first Company offer extended since the lockout began.
The Company’s amended offer includes the below, Union-requested, changes:
- Additional language which provides seniority protection for employees who move between sites (B&P/Refinery). Such protections may include, but are not limited to, seniority-honored vacation selections, and seniority protection in the case of a layoff.
- Increased job security and protection from layoff for employees in the Materials Specialist and Business Support Specialist job classifications.
- Combination of the Package and Warehouse Operator Lines of Promotion at the Blending & Packaging Plant (B&P). This proposal provides additional wage progression opportunities for all current Warehouse Operators and the opportunity for a more meaningful career with increased skill development.
The Company’s amended offer still includes a six (6) year term, pay raises for the majority of our employees, previously included benefits such as additional vacation protection, increased paid parental time off (PPTO), and National Oil Bargaining Pattern (NOBP) side letters including the job security letter which provides protection from layoff.
In addition to the changes above, the Company is also offering a $500 ratification bonus to all USW-represented employees.
The Company is hopeful that this amended offer will be ratified by employee vote; however, if this offer is not ratified by November 1, 2021, the Company will reduce the amended offer as follows:
- Removal of the $500 Ratification bonus
- Elimination of wage increases for any employees in 2021
- Removal of the right to grieve/arbitrate employee resignations
Additional Perspective & Path Forward
At Monday’s meeting, the Union conducted an initial review of the proposal and will continue to review prior to notifying the Company of any action.
Once the Company and Union reach a ratified offer, the Company will work with the Union to establish a return to work agreement and return USW-represented employees to the site, ending the lockout. In order to reach a ratified offer, the Union membership must vote yes through a ratification vote. We encourage all employees interested in voting on this offer reach out to their Union leadership to express interest and receive information on any planned Union meetings.