Union rejects Marathon's Contract Offer

United Steelworkers rejected a comprehensive offer from Marathon Petroleum during talks to create a national model agreement for U.S. workers at refineries and chemical plants, the union said on Wednesday.

USW and Marathon, the lead negotiators for energy companies, have a deadline of 12:01 am on Sunday morning to "hammer out" a new contract to the current four-year agreement.

The policy committee, made up of members from across the United States, "unanimously" rejected the Marathon proposal. The union didn't give any details about the Marathon proposal but said it was "unacceptable."

Jamal Kheiry, Marathon's spokesperson, said that "MPC continues meeting regularly with representatives from the USW." "We are committed to bargaining with good faith and working towards a mutually satisfying agreement."

The USW stated in a statement that "we are fighting for safety of all oil workers and our communities. We're also fighting for real job security, fair wages, and a recognition of our skills and sacrifices." (Reporting and editing by Nathan Crooks, David Gregorio and Erwin Seba)

(source: Reuters)