The National Oil Bargaining Pattern Agreement for 2019: What You Need to Know
The National Oil Bargaining Pattern Agreement (NOBPA) is a labor contract that governs the working conditions and wages for workers in the oil and gas industry. The agreement is negotiated between the companies in the industry and the United Steelworkers (USW), which represents the workers.
The latest NOBPA was negotiated in 2019 and covers approximately 30,000 workers in the United States. Here’s what you need to know about the agreement.
Wages and Benefits
The 2019 NOBPA provides for a general wage increase of 3% in each of the three years covered by the contract. It also includes a $1,000 signing bonus for workers covered by the agreement.
Additionally, the agreement provides for improvements to the workers’ health care benefits, including a reduction in the amount workers have to pay for prescription drugs and other medical expenses.
Safety and Other Protections
The NOBPA includes provisions aimed at improving safety for workers in the oil and gas industry. These provisions include the establishment of joint labor-management safety committees, which will work to identify and address safety issues in the workplace.
The agreement also includes provisions aimed at protecting workers’ job security. For example, it limits the company’s ability to subcontract work and requires that companies give priority to laid-off workers when they are hiring for new positions.
The NOBPA also includes language aimed at ensuring that workers are treated fairly and respectfully in the workplace. This includes provisions related to discrimination and harassment.
Implications for the Industry
The 2019 NOBPA is significant because it sets certain standards for wages and benefits in the oil and gas industry. As such, it can have an impact beyond just the workers covered by the agreement.
For example, other companies in the industry may use the contract as a benchmark in their own negotiations with workers. Furthermore, the agreement can have an impact on the overall economy, as wages paid in the oil and gas industry can affect other sectors of the economy.
Conclusion
The National Oil Bargaining Pattern Agreement for 2019 is an important contract for workers in the oil and gas industry. It provides for improvements in wages and benefits, as well as safety and other protections. The agreement can also have an impact beyond just the workers covered by the contract, as it sets certain standards for the industry as a whole.