HOUSTON – For the last nine days, a rotating handful of striking plant workers have picketed their employer.
70 full-time workers are striking based on “unfair labor practices”, at the Eco Services Houston Plant at 8615 Manchester.
“We’ve called OSHA, and we’ve had them force the plant to run their internal alarm to notify all persons in plant to shelter in place and half the alarms didn’t work,” Todd Mize, a 26-year veteran of the company said.
OSHA records show that following a December 2023 visit, the federal agency found deficiencies at the plant that include failure to have “an emergency response plan” in place.
Pictures and videos, obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates, show areas of the plant are in a dilapidated state, unkempt state.
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TCEQ has also previously had issues with the plant’s air emissions.
Both state and federal agencies have leveled fines.
A representative for EcoServices parent company, Ecovyst responded to KPRC2′s inquiry with the following message via email.
“Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach a labor agreement with the United Steel Workers Union (USW Local 13-227) which represents approximately 70 of our Maintenance and Operations employees at our Houston site. A vote took place on April 10 and the union gave formal notice of a strike beginning that evening.
The company continues normal operations. As always, safety is our top priority. As we operate, we do so in compliance with all applicable regulations and permits.
We continue to meet the needs of our customers during this time.
We look forward to conducting amicable negotiations with the union leadership and remain optimistic that an agreement can be reached.
Ecovyst’s Houston plant produces and regenerates sulfuric acid and related products that are widely used in the refining industry and many industrial applications.”