United Steelworkers Union Local 10-1, which represents the South Philadelphia Sunoco refinery, ratified a three-year contract by an overwhelming margin March 13.
Sunoco's offer included a 3-percent annual raise, a $2,500 lump sum, 80 percent of health-care costs provided by the employer and job security. It also includes the National Oil Bargaining pattern agreement, which provides no layoffs or pay cuts, according to the union.
"We were negotiating in the worst possible economic environment," Local 10-1 President Jim Savage said in a statement. "Our members were not thrilled with the contract although it passed by an overwhelming margin. It's better than the alternate," which would have been a strike.
Feb. 26, the union marched on the oil company's Center City headquarters, decrying the potential loss of 100 operator jobs at the 3144 W. Passyunk Ave. plant the union said would compromise worker safety. Sunoco, citing a weak economy and change in consumer needs, had been looking for ways to cut costs.
Also on March 13, Sunoco announced plans to cut its workforce by 750, a 20 percent cut that comprised employees from its South Philly and Marcus Hook refineries, as well as its Center City headquarters. Other cuts include energy costs, as well as materials, equipment and contractor services, to reduce costs by more than $300 million this year.
"It is never easy to take steps that impact the lives of employees and their families," Sunoco Chairwoman/CEO Lynn Elsenhans said in a statement. "Like many other companies across a variety of industries, Sunoco is taking steps to remain competitive."
Congratulations to all of our winners of a gift certificate to the Review advertiser of their choice. All three were selected at random from online and newspaper ballots submitted for voting in this year's Readers' Choice. To see the 2009 Readers' Choice issue, click here.
Dan Vanore won the first place with $100; Sharon Stipa took home second place of $50; and Parris Dattilo took home the third-place award of $50.
Residents Donna D. DiBruno, Nicole F. Pugliese, Brooke Lyndsay Lord and Franca Tavella were named to the St. Joseph's University dean's list.
The theme of the Beneficial Bank and Consumer Credit Counseling Services of the Delaware Valley 10th annual student poster contest is "Starting Now ... Save for a Brighter Future."
Sunoco Inc. has announced its plans Monday to exit the refining business, which includes looking for buyers for its South Philly, 3144 W. Passyunk Ave., and Marcus Hook refineries. 

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