Royal Dutch Shell owns most of the refineries involved. Company spokesman Ray Fisher responded, "We regret that we have been unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with the USW prior to contract expiration, we remain committed to resolving the remaining issues through collective bargaining at the bargaining table."
The additional striking workers bring the total to nearly 4,500 nationwide. Most plants are being run with temporary workers at a reduced level. A plant in Martinez, California, owned by Tesoro Corp., will shut down completely. It was already scheduled to undergo an overhaul.
Negotiations had been going on since January, 21st, but so far no new talks have been scheduled after the latest standoff.