Benefits dispute could lead to strike at Anacortes refinery

A dispute over benefits could lead to a strike at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes.

The United Steelworkers union says their contract expired last month and the company is refusing to keep benefits at a reasonable level for the next three years.

Local President Steve Gary says the company wants to be able to cut benefits at any time.

“It’s a very, very profitable corporation. They reward their senior executives very, very well, and brag in the business stages about their profits.”

Gary says the union thinks on they should be able to agree on a level of benefits that they will be able to leave in place for the entire term of the agreement.

While the executives cash in, Gary says, “The reality is, is that very little of our pay and benefits are actually reflected in the price of gas at the pump. It’s actually less than a nickel per gallon.”

There is no deadline in place but the local members have authorized the union to call a strike if necessary.