The contract offer from Conoco has been turned down by a strong vote of rejection. The Union Negotiating Committee was extremely pleased with the turn out and with the vote results. The next step is a meeting with the company at 10:30 am Thursday. At this time the 24 hour rolling extension will be cancelled. It will be up to the company whether we walk out at approximately 10:30 am Friday, or go back to the table.
Once again you have shown that when the chips are down, you stand up. I can't express how proud the committee is of you, and of our right to represent you.
In Solidarity,
Leon Royer Conoco Group Chairman
Article from KPLC website dated 7/15/02
Reply to Company Communication...
Negotiations have broken down....
We met with the company again today with no progress made. We made a new counter propasal to the company's issue of mandatory standby/callout for mechanical. The company came back and turned down our proposal. We covered no other issues today.
We have been informed that they will deliver a "Final Offer" to us Thursday, to be discussed on Friday when the International Representative is available.
We will communicate as soon as a schedule of events is known.
The committee met again yesterday 7/8 with the company. We made no progress in the two remaining major issues (mandatory standby/callout for mechanical and the corporate drug policy).
At this time we only have two more days scheduled for negotiating.
We urge everyone to make it to the Union meeting today 7/9/02, at 4:30 pm, or 7:30 pm to receive more
information or express their opinion. This may be our last chance prior to the 15th.
We have received Strike Authorization from the Pace International.
Special Announcement!
Response to Company Correspondence
On June 28th there were some informational meetings, then a strike vote was taken and was passed overwhemingly by a large turnout of the membership. This gives the committee the authorization to call a strike if needed. The officers appreciate the large turnout and show of support as there are still some issues to be resolved. More information will be forth coming next week.
We have now been in negotiations with the company for several weeks. So far things seem to be going fairly well, although slow.
The main issues discussed to date have been:
1. Qualification/Utilization of Utility Helpers as second class craftsmen.
2. Minimum training levels set for operation units.
3. Definition/coverage of par work versus discretionary par work in relation to mandatory callout for operations.
4. Vacation scheduling issues for both groups.
We start negotiations again on June 17th. We'll have more information after that.