Other companies keep eye on plant union negotiations (unions raise wages at non-union shops)

X post in Labor & GD

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/article/Other-companies-eying-plant-union-negotiations-6062913.php#/0

Companies with financial stakes in the ongoing negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Shell Oil Co. aren't the only ones keeping an eye on what's happening at the bargaining table.

Plenty of companies that don't have union-represented employees are paying attention to the labor negotiations that affect the livelihood of 30,000 workers at the nation's refineries, chemical plants, pipelines and oil terminals, including 5,000 in the Houston area.





The union went on strike Sunday at nine refineries and chemical plants, including five in the area, after talks broke down with Shell, which is representing the oil industry. On Wednesday night, the union received a new offer and is considering it. Details were not disclosed.

If this year is like other years, employees at nonunion companies will likely get the same raises - or maybe even a more attractive pay package - than those at union-represented companies. Companies with both union and nonunion facilities tend to want to pay as well or better at nonunion-represented plants so the workers will continue to remain union-free, said Bill Bux, a lawyer with Locke Lord who specializes in the management side of labor relations for management clients.

FULL story at link.