January 16, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
By now I'm hoping that you've had the chance to read the 3 "Oilworker" publications that the
International has published thus far and the CAT updates from our Local committees. These have
discussed the process of negotiations within the oil sector of USW or what we refer to as National
Oil Bargaining (NOB). For a number of you this is the first time that you will go through a contract
negotiation. This is not a pleasant process. However, the tighter we close our ranks, prepare for a
strike, and let the industry know that we are serious about our demands the better chance we have
of a fair settlement. The Company is already training its personnel to take your job and has moved
trailers into the refinery in preparation of a strike. They are serious about their intentions and
therefore we must respond in kind.
The expiration of our contract is midnight January 31st and we have much work as a Union to do.
Attached is a sign up sheet for picket duty along with a questionnaire on what other duties you
might be able to perform, email addresses and other methods of contact. I am asking each of you
to fill this out and get it back to the Union Hall as soon as possible. If we do strike it is important that
we have a way to contact you. We must all be ready at a moments notice! While we don't want to
strike! We will if we have to! It's as simple as that!
So in the next couple weeks we will be organizing phone trees, email lists, web pages, contacting
community leaders and doing our best to get our game face on.
There are 2 important dates that you need put in your calendars. The first is Monday, January
19th. This is the 25th Memorial, of the senseless death, of our beloved Brother Greg Goobic. He
was killed on the picket line, by a scab sulfur truck driver, fighting for the wages and benefits that
you currently have. In addition to wearing "Black Arm Bands" all day Local 326 members will be
parking backwards on January 19th as a show of solidarity for Brother Greg. This will be followed
by the Annual "Greg Goobic Memorial" at 4PM at the stop light where we will once again place a
wreath of flowers in remembrance. After the memorial, "Black Arm Bands" will be placed at the
fence near where Greg passed away.
The next important date is January 21st at 4PM. This is the date for our regular Local 326 meeting,
but will be a significant event as it begins the 10 day count down to the end of our contract. This
meeting is a must attend for all members! Organizing plans, picket duty, and any new
developments will be discussed at this time. Additionally a solidarity bar-b-cue will be held so that
new and old members alike can enjoy each others fellowship and share stories from past
negotiations.
Our Committee is currently meeting with the other Locals within the Statewide Group and is
preparing for the upcoming negotiations. Their effectiveness at the table will be determined by our
efforts in the plant to convince the Company that we are serious. Lets give the Company a reason
to make the appropriate offers. United we stand! Divided we beg!
In Solidarity,
Randy Recchi
President USW 326
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
By now I'm hoping that you've had the chance to read the 3 "Oilworker" publications that the
International has published thus far and the CAT updates from our Local committees. These have
discussed the process of negotiations within the oil sector of USW or what we refer to as National
Oil Bargaining (NOB). For a number of you this is the first time that you will go through a contract
negotiation. This is not a pleasant process. However, the tighter we close our ranks, prepare for a
strike, and let the industry know that we are serious about our demands the better chance we have
of a fair settlement. The Company is already training its personnel to take your job and has moved
trailers into the refinery in preparation of a strike. They are serious about their intentions and
therefore we must respond in kind.
The expiration of our contract is midnight January 31st and we have much work as a Union to do.
Attached is a sign up sheet for picket duty along with a questionnaire on what other duties you
might be able to perform, email addresses and other methods of contact. I am asking each of you
to fill this out and get it back to the Union Hall as soon as possible. If we do strike it is important that
we have a way to contact you. We must all be ready at a moments notice! While we don't want to
strike! We will if we have to! It's as simple as that!
So in the next couple weeks we will be organizing phone trees, email lists, web pages, contacting
community leaders and doing our best to get our game face on.
There are 2 important dates that you need put in your calendars. The first is Monday, January
19th. This is the 25th Memorial, of the senseless death, of our beloved Brother Greg Goobic. He
was killed on the picket line, by a scab sulfur truck driver, fighting for the wages and benefits that
you currently have. In addition to wearing "Black Arm Bands" all day Local 326 members will be
parking backwards on January 19th as a show of solidarity for Brother Greg. This will be followed
by the Annual "Greg Goobic Memorial" at 4PM at the stop light where we will once again place a
wreath of flowers in remembrance. After the memorial, "Black Arm Bands" will be placed at the
fence near where Greg passed away.
The next important date is January 21st at 4PM. This is the date for our regular Local 326 meeting,
but will be a significant event as it begins the 10 day count down to the end of our contract. This
meeting is a must attend for all members! Organizing plans, picket duty, and any new
developments will be discussed at this time. Additionally a solidarity bar-b-cue will be held so that
new and old members alike can enjoy each others fellowship and share stories from past
negotiations.
Our Committee is currently meeting with the other Locals within the Statewide Group and is
preparing for the upcoming negotiations. Their effectiveness at the table will be determined by our
efforts in the plant to convince the Company that we are serious. Lets give the Company a reason
to make the appropriate offers. United we stand! Divided we beg!
In Solidarity,
Randy Recchi
President USW 326
Randy Recchi
USW 326 President
USW 326 President
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January 24, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There will be a special meeting on Wednesday 1/28/09 at 4:30pm at the hall to discuss
Negotiations with our Negotiations Committee. This is your opportunity to ask questions directly to
the folks at the Negotiations table. Please make every effort to attend!
There will be an informational Rally on Thursday 1/29/08 at 3:30pm in Front of the Admin building.
We are coming down to the deadline and still have no contract/agreement. Your attendance at this
informational Rally is a must! Sandwiches will be provided.
Please make every effort to be in attendance at both of these very important events.
Fraternally,
Randy Recchi
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
There will be a special meeting on Wednesday 1/28/09 at 4:30pm at the hall to discuss
Negotiations with our Negotiations Committee. This is your opportunity to ask questions directly to
the folks at the Negotiations table. Please make every effort to attend!
There will be an informational Rally on Thursday 1/29/08 at 3:30pm in Front of the Admin building.
We are coming down to the deadline and still have no contract/agreement. Your attendance at this
informational Rally is a must! Sandwiches will be provided.
Please make every effort to be in attendance at both of these very important events.
Fraternally,
Randy Recchi
January 30, 2009
Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to Thank those who showed up for the Rally yesterday. Thank for your support. This is
just the beginning so keep up the good work. For those who couldn't make it, I know your thoughts
were with us.
Also I am letting you all know the USW Local 5 update Hotline is 925-313-8000.
Randy Recchi