Utah refinery union workers eyeing talks

Contracts for about 230 union workers at local refineries expired at midnight Saturday, but the first in what could be a series of 24-hour extensions is in place as negotiations between national union leaders and oil companies continue Sunday.

Julie Holzer, spokeswoman for United Steel Workers District 12 — which includes workers at the Tesoro facility in Salt Lake and the Holly Refinery in Woods Cross — said negotiators were still working on a deal Sunday. Holzer said she had not been apprised of the status of the closely guarded meeting, but felt the talks would not be protracted.

"I don't see it being a prolonged process," Holzer said. "Everybody is at the bargaining table, working toward an agreement."