Finance
BP's Whiting refinery workers prepare for potential strike as union talks falter
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 5, 2026
Tags:oil and gas
Quick Summary
Union urges BP Whiting refinery workers to prepare for a strike as negotiations fail, with 98% voting for strike authorization.
Workers at BP's Whiting Refinery Brace for Possible Strike Amid Talks Stalemate
Union Negotiations and Potential Strike
By Nicole Jao
Union's Strike Authorization
NEW YORK, Feb 5 (Reuters) - United Steelworkers is asking workers at BP's 440,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Whiting, Indiana, to prepare for a strike or lockout, the union said on Thursday after weeks of negotiations with the British oil major that did not yield results.
BP's Response to Union Claims
The comments come after 98% of the 800 workers the local USW union represents at the Whiting refinery voted to authorize a strike.
Impact of Potential Strike on Fuel Production
“BP has rejected almost all of our proposals with very little discussion,” said Eric Schultz, president of USW 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 had said BP proposed workplace changes, including cutting more than 200 union jobs in operations, maintenance and environmental safety as well as stripping away some workplace protections.
"Allegations that there has been little dialogue between BP and the union are inaccurate," a BP spokesperson said, adding the company remains focused on reaching an agreement with the union and avoiding work stoppage.
The previous three-year collective bargaining agreement expired on January 31.
The Whiting refinery, the largest refinery in the U.S. Midwest, produces key transportation fuels including gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel.
(Reporting by Nicole Jao in New York; Editing by Chris Reese, Rod Nickel and Chizu Nomiyama )
Key Takeaways
- •Union asks BP Whiting workers to prepare for strike.
- •98% of members voted to authorize strike action.
- •BP proposed cutting over 200 union jobs.
- •Previous agreement expired on January 31.
- •Whiting refinery is the largest in the U.S. Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions about BP's Whiting refinery workers prepare for potential strike as union talks falter
1What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is a process where employers and a group of employees negotiate terms of employment, including wages, working conditions, and benefits.
2What is a strike?
A strike is a work stoppage initiated by employees to express grievances or demand changes in working conditions, often used as a last resort during negotiations.
3What is a lockout?
A lockout occurs when an employer prevents workers from entering the workplace during a labor dispute, often as a tactic to pressure employees during negotiations.
4What is a union?
A union is an organized group of workers who come together to make decisions about the workplace, negotiate contracts, and advocate for their rights.
