Labor Unions and Chevron Reach Agreement on Refinery Modification Project

  • by BPC Staff
  • on June 26, 2013
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For Immediate Release

June 27,  2013

Labor Unions and Chevron Reach Agreement to Build Refinery Modernization Project

Chevron Richmond Project expected to reduce emissions, create up to 1,000 union construction jobs

Richmond, Calif. (xx, 2013) – Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trade Union labor leaders entered into a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) with Chevron U.S.A. Inc. today, ensuring construction jobs created by the refinery’s Modernization Project are reserved for Building Trade   members.

The PLA is a major milestone for local labor and the Refinery’s Modernization Project, which is an important capital investment project that, when approved by the City of Richmond, would benefit the local community by reducing overall emissions at the refinery and creating up to 1,000 union construction jobs.

“This is a fantastic next step for local Building Trades men and women and our community because the Refinery’s Modernization Project will generate union jobs that our workforce badly needs,” said Greg Feere, Chief Executive Officer of the Contra Costa County Construction and Building Trades Council. “Our members are anxious to get to work on this project, and we look forward to partnering with the Richmond Refinery to help it modernize its facility so that it can continue to serve as a major economic engine and jobs creator for Richmond and the region.”  With this agreement in place we will also be promoting local jobs, apprenticeship opportunities and the Helmet to Hardhats Program.

By updating and replacing older equipment with new technologies, the project will make the refinery inherently safer and achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions without changing the basic function of the refinery. In addition, the Modernization Project will ensure the refinery continues to drive economic growth in Richmon through the continued production of motor and jet fuels, and  lubricant products.

“The Modernization Project will create a newer, cleaner and safer refinery that is better for the community,” said Kory Judd, General Manager of the Richmond Refinery. “We look forward to partnering with labor to move the project forward in an open and transparent permitting process.”

The PLA signed by the Contra Costa County Building and Construction Trades Council and Chevron outlines the basic terms of how jobs will be filled for the Modernization Project.

The City of Richmond is currently working to produce the project’s environmental impact report, which is expected to be released in early 2014. Final approval of the project by the City Council is anticipated in late 2014.