Gulf refinery workers OK new pact

More than 700 United Steelworkers (USW) union workers at the largest U.S. refinery unanimously approved a new contract in a vote at their Port Arthur, Texas, union hall on March 17. Return-to-work agreements, usually the final step before ratification votes, were under discussion. USW members at Port Arthur’s Motiva Enterprises (Shell-owned) refinery walked off Feb. 21 as part of the nation's largest refinery strike in 35 years. (Source: Maritime Professional 03/18/15) Gulf Coast Shipbuilding and Maritime Note: Norco and Covenant, La., along with Port Arthur USW workers are expected to return to their jobs this coming week.