BP Whiting Refinery Workers Locked Out Amid Contract Dispute
Around 800 unionized workers at BP's Whiting, Indiana refinery, including multiple family members, have been locked out of their jobs without pay since mid-March. This labor dispute, involving United Steelworkers Local 7-1, centers on contract negotiations where BP's proposed changes,…
Chicago, IL, August 6, 2026 —
Approximately 800 unionized workers at BP’s refinery in Whiting, Indiana, have been locked out of their jobs and are not receiving pay. The lockout, which began in mid-March, involves members of United Steelworkers Local 7-1 and stems from ongoing contract negotiations with BP.
The core of the labor dispute centers on proposed contract changes by BP. According to the union, these proposed changes include provisions that would freeze wages, lead to job cuts, and increase the use of artificial intelligence in operations. United Steelworkers Local 7-1 rejected these proposals.
BP has stated that its proposals are standard industry practices and are necessary to ensure the continuous operation of the refinery. The company’s perspective is that these changes are essential for operational continuity.
Conversely, the union views the lockout as a tactic aimed at undermining the union. United Steelworkers Local 7-1 has suggested that the lockout may be influenced by a protracted lockout that occurred at an ExxonMobil refinery in Texas. The union claims this action is a union-busting effort.
The situation affects a significant number of workers, including multiple family members, who are now without income as a result of the labor dispute at the Whiting facility.
Story summarized from the original created by Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco on chicago.suntimes.com, see more information here.
