STRIKING American oil workers confronted “aloof” industry fat cats at an exclusive London dinner on Thursday — where the man who could resolve their dispute was the star speaker.

Staff at nine refineries from California to Kentucky, operated by different firms, walked out on February 1 after industry negotiators refused to incorporate key safety clauses into their next three-year agreement with unions.

The United Steelworkers union (USW)-led strikers were joined by workers from Indiana and Ohio refineries on February 9.

In an exclusive interview with the Morning Star, USW activists visiting London this week said up to 30,000 workers at 63 plants could be affected if the union is forced to escalate strike action.

Machinist Steve Garey said safety breaches involving “hazardous processes and chemicals” were “killing our members.”

Reps met with officers from general union Unite before protesting outside the International Petroleum week dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane — where industry bigwigs were paying a minimum of £300 a head for a four-course feast.

And in a keynote address, Royal Dutch Shell CEO Ben van Beurden, whose firm is leading negotiations on behalf of refinery bosses, called on the industry to be “less aloof, more assertive.”

“So, to make our voice heard, our sector needs to enter into the public debate alongside other credible parties — ranging from academics to non-governmental organisations and policymakers,” he told diners.

But placard-wielding refinery operators told the Star that Shell and other industry giants had become “arrogant and dismissive” of workers’ safety concerns in recent negotiations.

Brandi Sanders, a maintenance worker for Marathon in Texas City, called for Shell to “lead for the industry” and break the negotiations stalemate.

And Mr Garey added: “If Shell won’t then perhaps someone else can.”

A spokesman for Shell said: “Shell respects the right of individuals and organisations to engage in a free and frank exchange of views. Recognising the right of individuals to express their point of view, we only ask that they do so with their safety and the safety of others in mind.

“We regret that we have been unable to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with USW prior to contract expiration. We remain committed to resolving the remaining issues and are confident that we can do so.

“Talks with the union will resume in the near future.”