Archive · 1 Feb 2026
USW Rejects Marathon Proposal as Strike Deadline Nears
The United Steelworkers union and Marathon Petroleum are trying to agree on a new contract for 30,000 workers at U.S. refineries and chemical plants.
The current contract expires soon, and if they can't agree, workers might go on strike.
Marathon offered a 13% pay raise over four years, but the union said no.
They're also arguing about healthcare costs, how to use artificial intelligence, and safety rules.
Workers at one big refinery already agreed on local issues.
The last big strike was in 2015, and not all workers went on strike then.
Inside refinery operators make about $50 an hour after their trial period.
USW rejected Marathon's proposal of a 13% pay increase over four years.
Negotiations ongoing for a national pattern agreement affecting 30,000 workers.
Key issues include cost of living, healthcare, AI standards, and safety.
Contract expires at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, but strike not automatic.
Local issues settled at Marathon's largest refinery, Galveston Bay Refinery.
- Who
- United Steelworkers (USW) and Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
- What
- Negotiations for a new contract, potential strike
- When
- Contract expires at 12:01 a.m. Sunday
- Where
- Multiple U.S. refineries and chemical plants
- Why
- Disagreements over pay, healthcare, AI, and safety standards
- Union
- United Steelworkers (USW)
- Company
- Marathon Petroleum (MPC)
- Workers
- 30,000 oil industry workers
- Proposed Pay Increase
- 13% over four years
- Contract Expiration
- 12:01 a.m. Sunday
- Sticking Points
- Cost of living, healthcare, AI standards, safety
- Last Strike
- 2015, 11 refineries, 5,200 workers
- Average Wage
- $50/hour after probation