The largest U.S refinery workers strike since 1980 passed its 18th day on Wednesday but talks between union and oil company representatives over safety and pay restarted after a gap of a week and went into the night, according to a union text message. More than 5,000 workers at 11 plants, including nine refineries accounting for 13 percent of U.S. production capacity, remained on strike on Wednesday. “Industry responded to the information request and engaged in discussions into the evening,” the text message to United Steelworkers union (USW) members read. “Still miles apart. Bargaining continues tomorrow.” Talks between the USW and lead oil company negotiator Royal Dutch Shell Plc had been on hold as the company drew up a response to an information request and a counterproposal from the union. “Shell resumed negotiations with the USW on Wednesday and continues to work towards reaching a mutually […]