A Dow Chemical subsidiary has locked out more than 200 workers at its chemical plant in Deer Park. Negotiations for a new labor contract broke down Monday, according to the company and the union.
Dow and United Steelworkers Local 13-1 have been in contract talks for the Deer Park site since February 14. The employees have been working under a rolling 24-hour extension of the current contract throughout negotiations.
A company spokesperson said that a contingent workforce will keep the chemical plant running during the lockout. She said that union workers will be welcomed back once the contract is settled.
Union officials say that they’re concerned about worker fatigue and safety as a result of what they claim is understaffing and too much overtime.
Company officials from Dow Chemical say they’re working to improve their overtime policies.
Source: Chron.com, “Dow locks out more than 200 workers in Deer Park,” by Marissa Luck, April 23, 2019