On September 4, 2024, 273 workers at a Marathon Petroleum refinery in Detroit went on strike after negotiations were unsuccessful. The strike authorization was passed back in February with the Teamsters Local 283 President Steve Hicks stating, “Though Marathon Petroleum made nearly $10 billion in profit in 2023 on the backs of Teamsters, the company claims to not have enough to pay their workers their fair share”. Workers at Marathon Petroleum have been without a contract since January 31, 2024.
A month into their strike, there is no shortage of support from local and national politicians. Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer, Senator Gary Peters, and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilch all appeared on the picket line October 6th. Senator Bernie Sanders also appeared at the picket line saying “Marathon Petroleum’s CEO made $24 million last year. The company can afford to pay its workers a decent wage.”
“Marathon only wants to give a 3% raise, which is nowhere close to inflation in this day and age, as you know, and also, they want to take away our work. So subcontracting is a major issue with us. We need the language that protects our work and our workers to keep their jobs.”
Steve Hicks, Teamsters Local 283 President
Workers have said they are fighting for a 6% pay increase as well as language that promotes work-life balance and morale at the plant. As of October 27th, 2024, the workers at Marathon Petroleum are still on strike.
