United Steelworkers has urged employees at BP’s Whiting, Indiana refinery to prepare for a potential strike or lockout following weeks of unsuccessful contract negotiations with the British oil company, according to a Reuters report released Thursday.
The call comes after 98% of the roughly 800 union members at the 440,000-barrel-per-day refinery voted to authorize a strike. The Whiting facility is the largest refinery in the U.S. Midwest.
“BP has rejected almost all of our proposals with very little discussion,” said Eric Schultz, president of United Steelworkers Local 7-1. “We will continue to bargain in good faith and stand united in demanding a fair contract for all of our local union members.”
The union previously said BP proposed several workplace changes, including eliminating more than 200 union jobs across operations, maintenance, and environmental safety, as well as removing certain workplace protections.
BP disputed claims of stalled negotiations. “Allegations that there has been little dialogue between BP and the union are inaccurate,” a company spokesperson said, adding that BP remains focused on reaching an agreement and avoiding a work stoppage.
The prior three-year collective bargaining agreement expired on January 31.
The Whiting refinery produces key transportation fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Source: Reuters
