Valero Texas City refinery workers reject union

HOUSTON, Aug 9 (Reuters) - Workers at Valero Energy Corp's (VLO.N) Texas City, Texas, refinery rejected joining the United Steelworkers union, according to ballots counted Friday, said union and company representatives.

Workers voted 183 to 94 to reject affiliation with the Steelworkers, which represents 30,000 U.S. refinery workers.

"Valero has always had a very good working relationship with our employees, both those who are (union-) represented and those who aren't, and we appreciate the support and commitment shown by the team at Texas City," said Valero spokesman Bill Day in a statement.

A union leader said the results show the difficulty in organizing under current law.

"This is a prime example of how the laws are clearly in favor of the corporations when it comes to organizing," said USW Subdistrict Director Jim Lefton.

The Steelworkers are in favor of a card-check proposal before the U.S. Congress that would allow workers to join a union when the majority of employees at a location sign cards indicating their desire to become members. (Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing Bernard Orr)