Greedy union bosses look for ways to collect more dues in refinery strike

Fuel Fix:

Hours after the United Steelworkers said it would expand its strike to 15 refineries and plants nationwide, Shell Oil, which is bargaining on behalf of the industry took aim at the union.

Late Saturday, Shell released what it said are excerpts of a note to employees

The central issue blocking a settlement is not safety, fatigue, healthcare or wages, the statement said.

It is the union’s demand that Shell replace routine maintenance contractors with union-represented employees. Shell called that unreasonable, saying using contractors in those jobs allows needed flexibility.

Shell says: “We’re open to a variety of ways to maintain a strong roster of skilled craftsmen available to each of our locations. But hiring flexibility is a proven way to protect our core Shell workforce and the long-term economic viability of our business. It is the most effective way to keep our sites running safely, efficiently and reliably. This strategy has served us well as we have not had to conduct any layoff in decades.”
...

The unions want to hit up the maintenance workers for dues.  It seems to be about enriching the union coffers.  If the maintenance workers wanted a union it should be up to them to vote for one and not have it imposed by an outside party.  With all the layoffs elsewhere in the energy business it would seem like a bad time for a strike with all those potential workers looking for a job.