USW Decries Marathon’s Refusal to Allow Local 5 Members to Return to Work

PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that Marathon Petroleum’s decision to reject an unconditional offer from members of Local 5 to return to work and thereby locking them out is a reckless escalation that demonstrates the company’s willingness to put confrontation ahead of resolution. 

“These workers exercised their legally protected right to stand together against management’s unfair labor practices,” said USW National Oil Bargaining Program Chairman Michael Smith. “Rather than respect their commitment and restoring normal operations, Marathon management has chosen a path that appears designed to punish workers for standing up for their rights.” 

“Workers should never be targeted, intimidated or locked out of their jobs because they have the courage to demand a workplace where their voices are respected,” he said. 

USW District 12 Director Gaylan Prescott said that Marathon Petroleum has the resources and responsibility to resolve this dispute in good faith.  

“Instead, management is engaging in tactics that undermine labor relations, damage trust and put the company’s reputation at risk,” Prescott said. “USW Local 5 members are ready and willing to return to work. Marathon should stop its reckless union-busting strategy, respect the rights of its employees and come back to the table committed to a fair resolution.” 

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in tech, higher education, public sector and service occupations.