Union workers at BP's Whiting Refinery will meet with the company on Monday after a months-long labor dispute during which around 800 workers have been locked out. Both sides remain far apart in negotiations, with BP seeking to cut more than 100 jobs, reduce pay, and limit rights. Community members have stepped in to help the workers. The lockout has affected workers' pay and livelihoods, but the union maintains the lockout was necessary after failed talks. The community is supporting the workers as they negotiate.
Union workers at BP's Whiting Refinery are set to return to the bargaining table with the company on Monday amid a months-long labor dispute. Around 800 workers have been locked out of the facility since March following unsuccessful talks over a new labor contract.
More than 800 union workers are nearing two months without a paycheck as the lockout continues. With both sides far apart in negotiations, bills are mounting, and community members are stepping in to help.
“These are our neighbors, and we wanted to make sure that we could do to help," said Lisa Vallee with Transitions Northwest Indiana. Union Hall resembled a grocery store on Sunday, with members able to take whatever they need - no questions asked. The union said BP is pushing to cut more than 100 jobs, reduce pay for most positions, limit bargaining rights and lock in a six-year contract.
BP maintains the lockout became necessary after months of failed talks, saying the union has repeatedly refused counterproposals aimed at long-term sustainability.
“We look forward to returning to the negotiating table to work toward an agreement that preserves strong jobs by improving refinery performance, strengthening safety, and keeping the site competitive in a range of economic conditions over the long term," BP said in a statement to NBC Chicago. “We will again ask them to lift their lockout and to move away from their demands to cut more than 100 local jobs, make sweeping pay cuts and that we give up our bargaining and seniority rights.
” With no clear end to the lockout, community members say they will continue stocking shelves to support workers as they hold the line.
“Any one could be put in a position in this way especially in this economy if I were to lose my job I hope my community members come out to help me to support my family my community and just be there," said Andrea Mendez with the Hammond Community Garden. While both sides return to the bargaining table on Monday, it remains unclear if the lockout will end soon without a long-term deal in place.
Labor Union BP Whiting Refinery Negotiations Lockout Community Support Economic Sustainability Safety Competitive Conditions Jobs Preservation
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