BP locks out workers at Whiting refinery; Union workers picket outside facility

WHITING, Ind. (WLS) -- More than 800 United Steelworkers were locked out of the BP Whiting Refinery starting at midnight Thursday over stalled contract negotiations.

"We did not want it, but at the same time we can't accept what they were offering," United Steelworker Paul Skalka said. "They wanted too many concessions."

The union said BP wants to cut more than 100 jobs and cut salaries.

"At least 100 jobs," Skalka said. "They wanted more, but we talked them down to 100. And it's just unacceptable."

But BP said its proposals are critical to long-term sustainability of the refinery.

"The union has unequivocally rejected company proposals twice now without a counter that addresses our concerns. In addition to the negotiations, we have been operating in a state of uncertainty since February 1," Chris DellaFranco, BP Whiting Refinery Manager.
In a video statement, BP said for the lockout to end, the union must accept a proposal made on Tuesday.

"While this lockout is a difficult decision, with very challenging circumstances, the changes we are seeking are necessary to advance the safety and competitiveness of our refinery for decades to come," DellaFranco said.

"Just give us our fair share," Skalka said. "It's not about money. We just want the jobs to stay at a fair contract. That's it."

The company said it does not expect the lockout to disrupt its daily operations.

BP said the refinery will continue operations with trained replacement workers and those workers who are locked out will continue to receive some benefits.

"It's very difficult," Eric Schultz, president of United steelworkers local 7-1, said. "It's a large complex refinery. We have highly trained, highly skilled workers that are not in there right now because the company chose greed over safety."

The union president said this lockout could last weeks. At this point, it's unclear how this could impact gas prices in the US which have steadily increased since the war with Iran began.