Dow stops union workers at the Houston area plant

HOUSTON (Reuters) – Dow Inc. fired 226 people from its Houston-based chemical plant in Deer Park, Texas, after United Steelworkers (USW) workers rejected the latest work contract proposal , USW officials said.

"Our Deer Park site will continue to operate safely and reliably, which our neighbors, our employees and our customers expect from us. but it will be without the Steelworkers after 14 hours. April 22, said Dow spokeswoman Ashley Mendoza on Monday.

Dow has twice submitted "last, best and final" contract proposals. The first was rejected by 96% of members and the second by 98%, said Lee Medley, president of Local 13-1, who represents Dow workers.

USW District 13 Director Ruben Garza said the distribution of overtime and fatigue and security due to understaffing were at the heart of the conflict.

"The USW is committed to ensuring we have consistent and safe levels of staff," Garza said in a statement. "These negotiations go beyond money. We must also consider the safety and well-being of workers and the community as a whole. "

Mendoza said that Dow and the USW were at a dead end.

"Although we have made progress on many points, we are at a dead end on others," she said. "The harmonization of collective bargaining agreements within Dow in North America is essential."