BP Whiting refinery locks out 900 workers after stalled talks
The BP Whiting refinery in northwest Indiana initiated a lockout after contract negotiations with the United Steelworkers union representing about 900 workers stalled; the union rejected BP’s revised offer following a Tuesday meeting, and the company canceled rolling 24-hour extensions, with the lockout taking effect March 19 unless an agreement is reached. BP says operations will continue under a trained team and frames the move as necessary for the refinery’s long‑term sustainability, while USW leaders accuse BP of seeking to cut more than 100 jobs, reduce pay, and curb bargaining rights. The union has authorized a strike, and the lockout will end if the union accepts the proposal.)
