Union calls for return to negotiations after BP locks out Indiana oil refinery

The United Steelworkers stated on Monday that BP engaged in unfair 'labor practices' by locking out nearly 800 workers at a?Whiting oil refinery. They urged BP to resume contract negotiations.

Roxanne Brown, USW 'International President, said that BP's decision of locking out these skilled workers was illegal and unacceptable. Workers at the Midwest's largest refinery began picketing last week after the British oil giant barred union members entry to the facility following months of stalled negotiations.

BP?said that the lockout 'followed' months of negotiations. It added that it would continue to negotiate in good faith, but only lift the lockout if the union accepted its latest?"proposal". BP announced a lockout after workers representing by the United?Steelworkers refused its "last best and final" proposal.

BP?said 'earlier that it did not expect production to be disrupted by the lockout.

Mike Smith, the?USW national oil negotiating chair, stressed that the union is still ready to negotiate.

BP didn't immediately?respond? to a??request? for comment. Reporting by Anushree mukherjee from Bengaluru, and Nicole Jao from New York. Editing by Rod Nickel

(source: Reuters)