Mergers and (See pages 7-10) Texaco takebacks: Strikers say no!
1984David W. Campbell 1984-04Read it in the scan (PDF at ETOL), page 1 →
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Vol. 2, No.4 Vol. No.4 March 24 protest against intervention in El Salvador. EVADOR Socialist Action/Joe Ryan of Central American refugees and U.S.
Don't trust your car to the man who wears the star.. the true Texaco story!
LAWNDALE, Calif.—Oil workers in Long Beach, Calif., Local 1-128 and Anacortes, Wash., Local 1-591 are in the front ranks of what is perhaps the most decisive battle between Texaco Inc. and the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW). After negotiations broke down Feb. 24, union members walked off the job. This battle takes place in the midst of Texaco's $11billion bid to buy out Getty Oil—the biggest corporate takeover in history. offensive goes back to the 1982 Port Arthur, Texas, strike. Prior to the 1982 negotiating sessions between Texaco and the Port Arthur OCAW group, which with 4300 members was the largest OCAW bargaining unit, the company unilaterally decreased the workers' lumpsum pension benefits. In some cases they did this by as much as $20,000 per worker!
The union grievance led to arbitration and a protracted legal battle. The company retaliated with layoffs, massive cross-crafting, and other takeaways during contract negotiations in 1982. The union was forced into a strike. Although there was support for the strike from other OCAW locals, it was not enough to ensure a union victory. After seven months the group, for the most part fighting alone, was forced to surrender almost unconditionally. It was a crushing defeat for the union.
In 1984, with the Port Arthur workers eliminated from the picture, Texaco has turned its offensive against the smaller OCAW bargaining units. The rank-and-file negotiating committee for the Long Beach main group, representing 417 workers, met with Texaco negotiators on Editor's note: David Campbell is chairman of the Chevron Unit Workmen's Committee, OCAW Local 1-547, Lawndale, Calif. Mr. Campbell, who is not a member of Socialist Action, was asked to contribute this piece.
Nov. 4, 1983, with the contract due to expire on Jan. 8, 1984. Some of the company's proposals included:
• The unlimited right to contract out bargaining unit work.
The loss of seniority bidding rights. The establishment of cross-crafting. The institution of temporary layoffs with only 14 days notice. (continued on page 11)
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SALVELI FOR PET CENTRAL