Workers at LyondellBasell's Berre refinery and petrochemical site in France have voted to extend their strike for another 24 hours, a trade union source said Thursday.
The staff started a 48-hour strike Tuesday in protest against the decision to close the refinery.
The strike which affects the whole site saw the refinery and petrochemical site gradually halt operations while products dispatches were blocked.
Netherlands-based chemicals group LyondellBasell said it plans to permanently close its 105,000 b/d Berre refinery in the south of France after failing to find a buyer for the plant.
LyondellBasell said, however, it plans to continue operating its petrochemical assets at the Berre site, which include a steam cracker and polypropylene and polyethylene units.
Separately, staff at Total's Donges refinery has also extended their strike which started on Wednesday, the source said.
The industrial action, however, is not likely to have a significant impact on operations because output had already been reduced since last week due to maintenance, sources said.
