BP locks out nearly 1,000 refinery workers in illegal labour dispute

The lockout, which disrupts the livelihoods of hundreds of skilled workers and their families, comes amid ongoing contract negotiations. Now entering its sixth day, no new bargaining dates have been scheduled and the union says BP has chosen intimidation and confrontation over good-faith bargaining.

A lockout that was planned from the start

USW national oil bargaining chair Mike Smith says the writing was on the wall from the moment negotiations began.

“From the start of the negotiations, it felt like that was their plan. They did it both nationally with not offering the national pattern set with Marathon, but also at the local level trying to gut the collective bargaining agreement.”

USW international president, Roxanne Brown, was unequivocal in her condemnation of BP’s actions.

“BP’s decision to lock out these skilled workers is unacceptable and unlawful. Generations of union members have kept this refinery running safely and efficiently and they deserve a contract that reflects their value, not intimidation tactics designed to force concessions.”

Union demands end to intimidation tactics

USW District 7 director Mike Millsap warned that the consequences extend beyond the workers directly affected, posing a risk to the wider community.

“In its drive to lower staffing levels and implement wage cuts, BP is choosing confrontation and gambling the community’s safety on inexperienced replacement workers. This lockout is a direct attack on workers’ rights and an attempt to weaken the bargaining power of the very people who make this facility successful.”

Safety and job security at the heart of negotiations

Smith emphasised that the union’s bargaining committee has remained ready and willing to engage throughout the dispute and called on BP to return to the table without delay.

“Our bargaining committee has been at the table and prepared to engage. BP needs to end this lockout immediately and return to serious negotiations. A fair contract is within reach if the company is willing to negotiate in good faith.”

The union’s key demands centre on safety, job security and fair wages.

Action planned as pressure mounts on BP

With no bargaining dates on the horizon, the USW is stepping up its public campaign. Actions are being planned, including possible mobilisation around BP’s shareholder meeting on 23 April outside of London, a moment that could bring international attention to the dispute.

The USW is coordinating its strategic campaign efforts and is calling on affiliates and allies to stand with the locked-out workers. Any expressions of solidarity and support are welcomed as the union prepares its next steps.

Solidarity with locked-out workers

The USW is calling on BP to immediately end its unfair labour practices, reinstate all locked-out workers and resume meaningful negotiations that respect workers’ dignity and contributions.

The USW represents 850,000 workers across metals, mining, energy, chemicals, rubber, glass and a growing number of sectors including health care, education and public services.

“IndustriALL Global Union stands in full solidarity with the nearly 1,000 USW members locked out at BP’s Whiting Refinery.  For generations, these workers have kept this refinery running safely and efficiently,  their contribution is invaluable and must be respected. This lockout is not negotiation; it is coercion and it raises serious concerns under internationally recognised labour standards, including the ILO’s conventions on freedom of association and collective bargaining. We call on BP to immediately end the lockout, reinstate all locked-out workers and return to the table to reach a fair agreement that ensures job security, safe staffing levels and equitable wages,” 

said Atle Høie, IndustriALL general secretary.