The union representing 30,000 oil workers has rejected the latest industry offer over health and safety concerns. Members of United Steelworkers are preparing to enter the third week of their strike, and reports indicate the industry's biggest strike in three and a half decades may spread as the union has reportedly asked other locals to prepare to join the picket lines. Industry negotiations are being led by Shell Oil. They did not respond to an interview request, but said on their website, Shell continues its dialog with USW for the second straight day in hopes of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement. Union supporters said Wednesday's massive ExxonMobil refinery explosion that injured four workers underscored the need for enforceable improvements for safety conditions. The plan had a history of safety violations in previous explosions. According to the L.A. Times, dozens were injured and one was killed in two previous incidents in 1998 and 1994. An ExxonMobil spokesperson told the L.A. Times, we regret this incident and apologize for any inconvenience that this incident may have caused the community. The Real News also reached Lynne Hancock, a spokesperson for United Steelworkers.LYNNE HANCOCK, SPOKESPERSON, UNITED STEELWORKERS: Yeah, the oil industry is the most powerful and the richest in the world. But we know that we have a lot of solidarity among our members in the community and that we are fighting for safer refineries, not only for the employees, but also for the surrounding communities. And that's why we're out walking the line, because we need to hold the oil companies accountable for health and safety within their facilities.NOOR: She describes some of the reasons the workers are going on strike.
