BAYTOWN, Texas—United Steelworkers Local 13-2001 said it has given notice to strike should a new contract not be reached by June 15 between the union and management at ExxonMobil's refinery, chemical plant and laboratory in Baytown.
The USW, which represents workers employed in the rubber industry, among other sectors, claims that management has not accepted a proposal from the workers that includes health and safety language from the 2012 National Oil Bargaining agreement.
Both sides must abide by the existing agreement while the parties continue to negotiate. The next bargaining session is May 3.
ExxonMobil issued a 60-day lockout notice to the union shortly after the USW gave it notice.
A USW official said the same language was negotiated for ExxonMobil plants in Torrance, Calif.; Billings, Mont.; Chalmette, La.; and Beaumont, Texas.
Local 13-2001 represents about 850 workers in production, maintenance and the laboratory at the Baytown site.