05:20 AM EST, 01/26/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Marathon Petroleum ( MPC ) and the United Steelworkers union began discussions on a new multi-year labor agreement for refinery and chemical plant workers, Reuters reported Saturday, citing a spokesperson.

The negotiations are reportedly taking place with only one week remaining before the existing contract is scheduled to expire on Feb. 1.

Failure to reach a settlement could result in thousands of employees walking off their jobs at US petrochemical facilities, the news outlet reported.

Marathon acts as the primary negotiator for the industry, which previously faced a six-week nationwide strike involving 7,000 workers 11 years ago, Reuters reported.

Marathon Petroleum ( MPC ) and the United Steelworkers did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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