A Message From the NOBP Chair
It was good seeing all of you who attended the International Convention last month in Las Vegas. It was a busy and productive week that was even more exciting because we were able to gather to do the work of the union in person. I hope everyone who was there made it home safely and that you’re sharing everything we accomplished with your locals.
As the summer comes to an end and NOBP winds down with many of the off-date groups ratifying their contracts, I want to thank everyone for your hard work throughout the process. This includes everything the policy committee and their alternates did during negotiations and beyond. I hope that you had the opportunity to take some well-deserved time off to spend with family and friends.
Our work never stops, however. While we may have three and a half years until contract expiration, we must not waste any time in preparing. This includes building out our bench of leaders and educating our membership. We need to maintain our communication networks and keep our finger on the pulse of changes within our industry.
Putin’s war on Ukraine continues to disrupt supply chains, forcing the Department of Energy to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve – both for domestic use and for export abroad. We’ve also had to push back against new biofuel blending requirements. And, as ever, we must be ready in case our facilities change hands.
Workplace health and safety also remains an ever-present concern. Earlier this month, eight people were hospitalized after an explosion in Come By Chance, Newfoundland, Canada resulted in a fire. The USW is now pursuing a comprehensive investigation, with local leaders saying workers will not return until they know it’s safe.
I look forward to getting out and meeting with locals, discussing issues and building towards 2026. Our industry is clearly evolving, and there are challenges ahead. I have no doubt that we will be able to successfully deal with any obstacle as long as we stand together.
In solidarity,
Mike Smith
NOPB Chair
mjsmith@usw.org
Reminder: Process Safety Representative Training Week of Oct. 3
We will be offering Process Safety Representative training the week of October 3, 2022, at Local 675 in Carson, Calif.
It is open to PSM Reps and JHSC members per the NOBP agreement. The training will be limited to 35 people.
Registrations will be accepted in the order they are received and must be submitted no later than Sept. 30, 2022.
Click here for more information.
Cenovus to Buy Remaining Stake in BP-Husky Toledo Refinery
The Canadian energy company Cenovus last month reached a deal with BP to buy the final 50 percent stake in the BP-Husky Toledo refinery. The deal is expected to close before the end of the year, at which time Cenovus plans to take over operations from BP. Workers will then become employees of Cenovus.