Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) and Teamsters Local 283 will reconvene labor negotiations this Thursday, November 7, aiming to resolve a labor dispute that has kept over 200 refinery workers on strike at Marathon’s Detroit facility since early September. With wages, workplace safety, and contract terms still on the table, this new round of talks is expected to play a pivotal role in breaking a stalemate that has disrupted operations for more than two months.
Steve Hicks, President of Teamsters Local 283, confirmed that negotiations are set to resume after weeks of stalled discussions. “We’re committed to staying out here as long as it takes for Marathon to offer a fair contract,” said one union representative. “The dedicated work our members do daily—safely refining crude oil into essential products—should be respected, especially when it fuels Marathon’s billion-dollar profits.”
The Teamsters union represents 273 workers at the Detroit refinery, nearly all of whom supported the strike following the expiration of the previous contract in January 2024. Despite federal mediation, negotiations have so far failed to reach a resolution, and Marathon has temporarily brought in outside workers to maintain operations.
Marathon spokespersons emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating that experienced employees with an average tenure exceeding 15 years have been overseeing operations. “Marathon has engaged in collective bargaining in good faith since December 4, 2023, with safety protocols and trained emergency teams in place,” a company spokesperson said.
The Detroit refinery, with a 140,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) capacity, is a critical part of Marathon’s refining network, which collectively processes nearly 3 million bpd. The company’s third-quarter earnings report, scheduled for Tuesday, may shed additional light on how the ongoing labor strike impacts operations and financial outcomes.
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