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The developer of a Clatskanie-area biofuels plant says it has signed a “peace agreement” with a union agreeing not to oppose organizing efforts should the plant be built.

NEXT Renewable Fuels announced Wednesday it has signed a peace agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers 555, saying the company will remain neutral about union organizing and collective bargaining and support union efforts to hold meetings at the site during nonworking hours.

In turn, the union pledged to refrain from picketing or making disparaging comments about NEXT.

“Our biofuels plant cannot be built or operated properly without skilled workers. That’s why we previously agreed to work with regional trade unions for the hiring of union and non-union labor to construct our facility, Lou Soumas, president of NEXT Renewable Fuels, said in a prepared statement.

The statement continues: “Our agreement with UFCW 555 extends our commitment to let local unions meet with our future employees to discuss their mutual desire to work together. We know that Oregon’s skilled labor can help us attract the best workers, get the work done properly, and bring benefits to Oregon’s economy and environment.”