BP locks out union workers at its Midwest oil refinery BP (BP.L) announced on Tuesday it would block approximately 800 workers from its 440,000 barrel-per-day Whiting, Indiana, refinery starting March 19, marking the first step in a labor dispute that has stalled for months. The decision followed the rejection of BP’s final contract offer by the United Steelworkers (USW) union, which represents the affected workers. The lockout comes amid rising gasoline and diesel prices, as global energy markets face disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Any operational delays at the refinery, the largest in the Midwest, could worsen an already strained fuel supply, potentially driving prices higher. The Whiting refinery produces critical transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. BP’s lockout notice stated that the company had engaged in months of negotiations, during which the union twice rejected key proposals without addressing BP’s primary concerns. The company emphasized its commitment to continuing bargaining in good faith but noted that lifting the lockout would require the union’s acceptance of its latest offer. Since the previous three-year collective bargaining agreement expired on January 31, BP has operated under “labor uncertainty,” including the risk of a strike with as little as 24 hours’ notice. Regaining operational control was described as essential to ensure a safe and orderly transition of refinery management. Last week, BP presented a revised contract offer after union members overwhelmingly rejected its previous proposal. Eric Schultz, president of USW Local 7-1, criticized the company’s demands, stating, “They continue to demand that we cut more than 100 jobs, accept pay cuts to nearly all positions and give up our bargaining rights. That’s just unacceptable.#middle_east_conflict #bp #whiting_indiana #united_steelworkers #usw_local_7_1
