New developments Tuesday related to the Husky Lima Refinery strike including what appears to be the company looking for temporary replacement workers.
There is a classified ad in Tuesday's Lima News that indicates a Midwest refinery is looking for "oil movement operators".
It states the assignment is temporary and includes training, benefits, and shift work.
It does not mention the Lima refinery by name, only a Midwest refinery, but the ad is in the Lima News where there happens to be a refinery strike in the community. A strike that is now 12 days old.
Union president Mike Edelbrock calls the ad "unfortunate".
More than 200 United Steelworkers Local 624 members met for an informational meeting Tuesday.
Union members were seen Tuesday wearing T-shirts that they say quotes what one of their members heard Refinery General Manager Roy Warnock say as they were being escorted off the property on May 25th, "it's a great day for a strike".
Edelbrock says if the company comes forward tomorrow with its "last, best and final" offer again, nothing will change. If there is something new the membership will get a chance to vote.
Your News Now asked Husky Energy about the refinery ad looking for workers and the T-shirts allegedly quoting Warnock.
Related to the classified ad, Husky says contingency plans must be explored.
They did not respond to the T-shirt question as to whether Warnock made the statement or not.
They also said they are focused on the efficient operation of the refinery and preparing to meet with the union to bring a resolution to the strike so Lima is not added to the long list of refineries that are closing.
Contract talks are set to resume at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning.
