BP, Union Resume Talks Monday to End Whiting Refinery Lockout

BP and the United Steelworkers union are set to restart contract negotiations on Monday aimed at ending the two-month lockout at the Whiting, Indiana refinery. The dispute began March 19 when BP locked out more than 800 workers at the 440,000-barrel-per-day facility, the largest in the U.S. Midwest. On May 12 the union accused BP of delaying talks after requesting meetings the prior week, only to be told the company was unavailable for nearly two weeks. BP has stated it negotiated in good faith and seeks an agreement preserving jobs while improving safety and competitiveness. Resolution could ease regional fuel supply risks and reduce volatility in related oil markets.