As the lockout of union workers at the BP Whiting Refinery continues, BP and the United Steelworkers 7-1 remain at odds, even as national officials push for employees to return to work.
BP and USW have alleged that members of both parties have either threatened or taken part in violent incidents against the other. In a Wednesday statement, a BP spokesman said the refinery values its employees and respects their rights to assemble.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Video Doorbell Deals 2026
“However, unlawful behavior, including physical assault and property damage, is not acceptable,” the statement said. “BP remains ready to meet and resume negotiations and we have recently contacted union leaders to express our interest to do so. We will continue to bargain in the best interests of our employees, our company, and the community.”
In a Wednesday statement, the union claimed that BP security guards were involved in multiple alleged incidents that left union members injured, and incident reports were filed with the East Chicago Police Department. The union’s statement said the incident was captured on BP security footage.
USW’s statement also alleged that a security guard “forearm-checked” a union member into a moving vehicle during a disagreement, and a picketing member was struck by a vehicle entering a gate to the refinery.
The East Chicago Police Department was unable to immediately provide the Post-Tribune with incident reports.
“Each of these violent incidents has left our members injured. That’s unacceptable,” the USW statement said. “Certainly, our members are frustrated by being locked out of their jobs by British Petroleum, leaving their families without a paycheck. Still, we have reminded everyone to remain civil and not give in to antagonizing tactics, but instead do the right thing by documenting it and filing a report. We hope the company has sent a similar message to their aggressive security guards.”
A BP representative said the refinery is unaware of the circumstances alleged by the union.
“Separately, BP identified several unlawful acts by union members and supporters and has asked the union leadership to help ensure that the safety of the community, demonstrators, and our employees is a top priority,” a company statement said. “We value our employees and respect their right to assembly safely and lawfully.”
Officials nationwide are asking the refinery to allow USW members to return to work, including a group of four state treasurers who sent a letter to BP CEO Meg O’Neill, asking for an end to the lockout.
“From our vantage point, this moment calls for alignment,” the letter said. “The interests of BP and the interests of the American communities and economies in which it operates are not in conflict. They are fundamentally shared.”
Those who signed the letter include Michael Frerichs, Illinois state treasurer; Erick Russell, Connecticut treasurer; Fiona Ma, California state treasurer; and David Young, Colorado state treasurer.
“Disruptions at a facility of this scale have measurable consequences,” the letter said. “Outages at Whiting have historically tightened supply and increased fuel prices with direct impacts on households, businesses, and state economies. In a region with limited excess refining capacity, even short-term instability can translate quickly into higher costs and economic strain.”
The treasurers urged BP to end the lockout in negotiations aligned with industry bargaining practices, according to the letter. The group worries that the lockout could threaten state tax revenues and force cuts to essential services, including infrastructure and public safety.
“We appreciate the strong support from a nationwide coalition of state treasurers, who understand the negative impact British Petroleum is causing with their illegal lockout, not just on our workers, but on our communities and even on state funding, due to lost tax revenues.”
A BP spokesperson said in a statement that the company received the treasurers’ letter.
“BP is disappointed that, despite bargaining in good faith over the past several months, we have been unable to reach a deal for a new labor agreement with the United Steelworkers Union,” the statement said. “BP remains ready and willing to continue negotiations. … BP will continue to negotiate in good faith in the hope of reaching an agreement that provides good wages while giving the company flexibility to enhance safety, improve efficiency and remain competitive.”
The company statement also said that they have formally reached out to the union several times to get back to the bargaining table. BP alleged the union has not agreed to a meeting since March 17.
According to Post-Tribune archives, the union sent a letter to BP on March 18. USW provided a letter sent to Thomas Hanson, manager of labor and employee relations at the Whiting refinery.
In the letter, USW 7-1 President Eric Schultz and Robert Lofton, USW District 7 and Sub 5 director, express the intent to continue to negotiate, and they ask to lift the lockout and allow members to return to work. The union claims the company ignored the letter and several requests by phone “for two weeks.”
Negotiations updates from BP are available online at whitingnegotiations.com. USW 7-1 also has a website, supportoilworkers.com, for negotiations updates.
More Top Picks Best Amazon Prime Day Ninja Air Fryer Deals 2026