Given the nature of the market and conditions set forth so clearly by the statements from the Saudi's and as well the recent line of cargo crude ships standing in line at the Gulf, would this claim be valid if employees banded together?
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/unemploy/tra.asp
Trade Readjustment Allowances
Purpose
TRA - Trade Readjustment Allowances are income support payments to individuals who have exhausted Unemployment Compensation and whose jobs were affected by foreign imports as determined by a certification of group coverage issued by the Department of Labor.
Eligibility
The Federal Trade Act provides special benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to those who were laid off or had hours reduced because their employer was adversely affected by increased imports from other countries. These benefits include paid training for a new job, financial help in making a job search in other areas, or relocation to an area where jobs are more plentiful. Those who qualify may be entitled to weekly TRA after their unemployment compensation is exhausted.
Filing A Claim
Contact the State Unemployment Insurance agency or One-Stop Employment Service office and ask for information about filing a Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance. The Petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance must be filed with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). If DOL approves and certifies the petition, the affected workers will be entitled to file a claim under the TAA program.
Assistance for workers laid off for other reasons may be provided by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA)