Finance
Union Says Bp Lockout at Indiana Oil Refinery Was Unfair, Urges Return to Talks
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
The United Steelworkers (USW) labeled BP’s lockout of nearly 800 Whiting, Indiana refinery workers as unlawful and urged renewed contract negotiations after rejecting BP’s “last, best and final” offer.
Union says BP lockout at Indiana oil refinery was unfair, urges return to talks
BP Lockout and Union Response
By Nicole Jao and Anushree Mukherjee
Background of the Lockout
NEW YORK, March 23 (Reuters) - The United Steelworkers said on Monday BP engaged in unfair labor practices by locking out nearly 800 workers at its Whiting, Indiana, oil refinery and urged the company to resume contract talks.
Union's Position
"BP's decision to lock out these skilled workers is unacceptable and unlawful," said USW International President Roxanne Brown.
The union said it remains ready to negotiate.
BP's Actions and Statements
Last week, the British oil major barred the workers from entering the facility, following months of stalled contract negotiations.
BP locked out the workers after the Steelworkers twice rejected its "last, best and final" offer.
BP's Perspective on Negotiations
"While we are disappointed in the union’s rejection, BP has bargained, and will continue to bargain, in good faith," a company spokesperson said, adding that the lockout can be resolved as soon as the Steelworkers agree to the proposal on the table.
Impact on Production
BP said it does not expect the lockout to disrupt production.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Anushree Mukherjee in Bengaluru and Nicole Jao in New YorkEditing by Rod Nickel)
Key Takeaways
- •USW accused BP of unfair labor practices and called the lockout unacceptable and unlawful, while reiterating readiness to negotiate. (investing.com)
- •Union members overwhelmingly rejected BP’s last offer—with 98.3% voting no and over 94% turnout—citing deep concessions including job cuts, wage reductions, elimination of protections and a six‑year contract term. (investing.com)
- •BP countered that it remains open to bargaining in good faith but will only lift the lockout if the union accepts its latest proposal, which includes reduced signing bonuses and altered terms. (reddit.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Union says BP lockout at Indiana oil refinery was unfair, urges return to talks
1Why did BP lock out workers at its Indiana refinery?
BP locked out nearly 800 workers after months of stalled contract negotiations and the union's rejection of its final offer.
2What is the United Steelworkers’ response to the lockout?
The United Steelworkers called the lockout unfair and unlawful, urging BP to resume contract talks.
3Will the BP refinery lockout disrupt oil production?
BP stated it does not expect the lockout to disrupt production at the Whiting, Indiana refinery.
4How many workers are affected by the lockout?
Nearly 800 unionized workers at the Whiting, Indiana oil refinery are affected by the lockout.
5What conditions has BP set for lifting the lockout?
BP said it will lift the lockout only if the union accepts its latest contract proposal.