Negotiations Update #21 from Chris DellaFranco – Nov. 12, 2026
Negotiations update: Request to return to the negotiating table
Key Takeaways:
- We want an agreement that is good for our employees, gets them back to work and supports Whiting's long-term future.
- I'm asking the union elected representatives to come back to the table, meet with us, and work through the issues that remain so we can get an agreement done.
- Since our last negotiating session on October 26th, we've reached out to the union multiple times and offered dates to continue negotiations. So far, the union's elected representatives have not agreed to another meeting with us.
- bp is ready to meet as often as needed, whether through formal bargaining, informal discussions, or federal mediation.
"We want an agreement that gets our employees back to work and supports Whiting's long-term future. And today I'm asking the union elected representatives to come back to the table, meet with us, and work through the issues that remain so we can get an agreement done."
Chris DellaFranco, bp Whiting refinery manager
Transcription
Hey everyone, Chris DellaFranco here, the bp Whiting Refinery Manager. I want to give you an update on where negotiations stand with the USW Local 7-1 and what we believe needs to happen to move them forward.
We want an agreement that gets our employees back to work and supports Whiting's long-term future. And today, I'm asking the union elected representatives to come back to the table, meet with us, and work through the issues that remain so we can get an agreement done.
Since our last negotiating session on October 26th, we've reached out to the union multiple times and offered dates to continue negotiations. So far, the union's elected representatives have not agreed to another meeting with us.
Our employees and the broader Northwest Indiana community deserve to understand where things stand and why the union has stalled progress.
bp is ready to meet as often as needed, whether through formal bargaining, informal discussions, or federal mediation. We're ready to sit down, negotiate, and find areas where we can move closer together. But we need the union to join us at the negotiating table.