Strike at Ashland Over Sick Leave | Texas News

Seventy union workers at Ashland Specialty Chemicals in Texas City are striking over a brutal contract proposal that slashes paid sick leave from thirteen weeks to just forty-eight hours — a move they say jeopardizes their health and security. Workers, many with decades of service, also reject plans to force them into unfamiliar, dangerous roles and threaten replacement by outside contractors. Veteran employee Bobby Oneal warns that such minimal sick time won’t cover serious illnesses like cancer. Backed by the Texas City Metal Trades Council, they’ve filed unfair labor practice charges, insisting they won’t return until Ashland offers a fair deal that honors their hard-earned benefits — a standoff that pits corporate cost-cutting against the dignity and safety of long-term workers. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0982e437ba1a9c11