Contract negotiations covering 30,000 refinery and chemical plant workers at facilities processing more than half of U.S. crude oil are set to begin in early 2026. Delegates have approved proposals seeking major wage increases, limits on rising health care costs, and protections against the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Marathon Petroleum will serve as the lead industry negotiator, with both sides aiming for constructive talks. The current four-year agreement expires February 1, 2026, and union leaders say members are ready to push for a fair deal.
See "United Steelworkers union sets proposals for next refinery worker contract", Erwin Seba, Reuters, August 7, 2025