Oil Workers in Alaska's North Slope Vote to Join United Steelworkers Union

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Workers at ConocoPhillips' oil fields on Alaska's remote North Slope have voted overwhelmingly to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union, culminating a tenacious union drive that united 267 workers across multiple remote sites. The workers, who perform demanding and hazardous jobs in extreme Arctic conditions, mounted the union drive after the company began cutting wages, slashing benefits, and eliminating jobs about a year and a half ago.

Why it matters

This victory by the North Slope oil workers highlights the growing power of workers to fight back against corporate greed and exploitation, even in challenging circumstances. The workers' successful unionization drive is part of a broader trend, with nearly half a million workers joining unions in the past year alone to secure higher wages, better benefits, and more of a voice on the job.

The details

The union drive was led by worker Bryan Goode and his colleagues, who work at the remote Alpine oil field and other North Slope sites. Despite the logistical challenges of organizing a geographically dispersed workforce, the workers were able to band together and mount a successful campaign, with the final vote described as a 'blowout' by a National Labor Relations Board official. The workers were angered by ConocoPhillips' arbitrary cuts to their pay and benefits, as well as the company's decision to lay off skilled workers, forcing those who remained to take on more dangerous work.

• The union drive began about a year and a half ago, after ConocoPhillips started cutting wages, benefits, and jobs.
• The workers voted to join the United Steelworkers union in February 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The workers at ConocoPhillips' North Slope oil fields are now preparing to negotiate their first contract with the company as members of the United Steelworkers union.