Union urges investors and BP to put pressure on BP to end US Midwest refinery locksout

The union representing 800 workers at BP Whiting, Indiana refinery urged investors to put pressure on the British 'oil major, BP, to end a four-month lockout. They argued that the dispute highlights broader governance and safety risks within the company. United Steelworkers cited BP's executive rotation and past safety incidents as concerns.

The union issued a statement saying, "We encourage investors to engage with BP about these risks and demand?that BP ends the lockout and negotiates a fair deal with?the?union."

"... "... BP 'locked out' the workers at Midwest’s largest refinery, on March 19, after the Union?rejected their "last,best and final" offer, following months of stalled negotiations. BP claims that the lockout did not affect production.

The company stated that "BP currently has a proposal on the table which provides significant financial improvements, certainty over the long term and opportunities for employees?to advance in their career".

BP has said that it bargained with good faith and remains committed to reaching an agreement.

The union claims that the dispute is over jobs, wages and safety in plants.

United Steelworkers stated that a weak safety culture has been linked to past problems at BP operated facilities. They also said that Whiting could face similar issues. BP's Whiting refinery provides roughly a quarter - of the fuel in?the Great Lakes Region, including Illinois, Indiana Michigan and Wisconsin. It also plays a large role in pricing. Rod Nickel edited the report by Anjana Anil.

(source: Reuters)