BP locks out more than 800 union workers at Whiting refinery after contract negotiations fail BP locked out over 800 union workers at its Whiting, Indiana refinery on Thursday, marking the largest inland refinery in the U.S. The move followed failed contract negotiations with the United Steelworkers Local 7-1, which the company claims rejected its proposals. BP stated the union must accept its March 17 contract offer to end the lockout, which has left most employee benefits inactive during the dispute. The union, represented by Eric Schultz, president of USW Local 7-1, accused BP of demanding significant concessions, including job cuts, pay reductions, and the loss of bargaining rights. Schultz criticized BP’s stance, stating the company rejected a proposal that accepted several of its demands after just four hours of discussion. The union denied BP’s claim that it had rejected the company’s proposals twice without offering counterpoints. Contract talks began earlier this year after the previous agreement expired on January 31. BP issued a revised six-year contract proposal on March 13, which included job restructuring affecting 20% of employees and reduced lump-sum compensation from $7,500 to $2,500. The company also planned to outsource maintenance tasks to specialized contractors, citing industry practices. The union condemned the revised offer, arguing it limited their ability to strike, removed bargaining rights, and imposed base wage cuts. Workers began picketing in Whiting, about 20 miles south of Chicago, at midnight on Thursday. Union members reported that access cards were deactivated as early as Wednesday, preventing entry to the facility. BP noted that approximately 450 non-union employees and 100 contractors would continue operating the refinery during the lockout.#chicago #bp #united_steelworkers_local_7_1 #whiting_indiana #eric_schultz
