Tesoro refinery at Anacortes operating despite national strike

ANACORTES, Wash. (AP) — The Tesoro refinery at Anacortes is continuing to operate despite a national strike by workers represented by the United Steelworkers Union.

The union asked about 3,800 workers at nine refineries, most in Texas and California, to strike shortly after their previous contract expired after midnight. Shell Oil is negotiating on behalf of various refineries.

The union represents about 230 members at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports the president of United Steelworkers Local 12-591 in Skagit County, Steve Garey, is in Florida participating in negotiations.

He says wages and medical insurance are part of the discussions, but staffing and maintenance issues are the biggest sticking points. The union wants the oil companies to give the union a role in determining how many employees are necessary.