OCAW TURNS DOWN FIRST CONTRACT OFFER

The Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers International union (OCAW) has rejected an initial offer made Jan. 14 by Amoco Oil Co. The union has more than 300 contracts covering about 40,000 petroleum industry workers that are set to expire at midnight Jan. 31. OCAW said Amoco's offer included a 3 year contract term with wage increases of 2% the first year, 2.5% the second year, and 2.5% the third year. The offer also called for increased company contributions to health insurance premiums.