Urgent: L.A. County appeals for help for workers impacted by sudden refinery shutdown

With the looming closure of a significant oil refinery in Wilmington and Carson next year, officials in Los Angeles County are gearing up to provide support for the hundreds of workers who will soon find themselves unemployed. The closure of the century-old Phillips 66 complex, responsible for 8% of the state’s gasoline production, will leave around 600 employees and 300 contract workers without jobs.

1. Support for Affected Workers:
   • The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has passed a motion urging county staff to collaborate with local partners to establish resources for the displaced workers.
   • Supervisor Janice Hahn highlighted the fact that over half of the impacted employees are Latino, possessing valuable skills such as welding, engineering, and compliance expertise. She emphasized the need to assist them in transitioning to similar roles in renewable energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
2. County’s Plan of Action:
   • Supervisor Hahn and Holly Mitchell introduced a motion instructing various departments to identify career pathways within the county for the displaced workers.
   • The county’s Director of Economic Opportunity has been given a 60-day period to present an action plan to the board.

The closure announcement has led to concerns about emissions and pollution levels in the community. Mark Lashier, Phillips 66 chairman, expressed that market dynamics had cast a shadow on the long-term viability of the operation, prompting the closure decision. While he acknowledged the impact on employees and the broader community, he assured that efforts would be made to support them through the transition.

The impending closure will reduce the state’s major refineries to eight, with three in the Bay Area and five in Southern California, operated by companies such as Chevron and Valero. As the county works towards a plan to assist the displaced workers, it becomes crucial to provide them with opportunities for a smooth transition into alternative employment sectors.

Let us stand together as a community to ensure that those affected by this abrupt change are supported and empowered to embrace new opportunities with resilience and determination.