BP Whiting refinery workers are preparing for a possible strike after union talks fail

United ?Steelworkers is asking workers at BP's 440,000-barrel-per-day refinery ?in Whiting, Indiana, to prepare for ?a strike ?or lockout, the union said on Thursday after weeks of negotiations with the British oil major that did not yield results.

The comments follow a vote by 98% of the?800 Whiting?refinery workers that the local USW represents to authorize a walkout.

Eric Schultz is the president of USW 7-1. He said that BP had rejected nearly all?of USW 7-1's proposals without much discussion. "We will continue bargaining in good faith and stand united to demand a fair contract for our local union members."

The union said BP had proposed workplace changes that included cutting over 200 union jobs from operations, maintenance, and environmental?safety, as well as removing some workplace protections.

A BP spokesperson?said that allegations of little dialogue?between BP?and the union were inaccurate. The company is focused on reaching a deal with the union - and avoiding a work stoppage.

The previous three-year collective bargaining agreement expired January 31.

The Whiting refinery is the largest?refinery of the U.S. Midwest and produces transportation fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, and other fuels.

(source: Reuters)