Negotiations Update #6 from Chris DellaFranco – March 13, 2026
bp Whiting refinery's revised offer and next steps
Key Takeaways:
- While we are disappointed our Last, Best, and Final Offer was rejected, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith and finding a path to agreement.
- We hope employees will have the opportunity to vote on the revised offer and move the negotiation process forward through ratification.
- While our goal remains to avoid a work stoppage, we are prepared with highly skilled and trained employees who can safely operate the refinery if necessary.
- Maintaining the safety of our workforce and the operational stability of the Whiting refinery continues to be our top priority throughout negotiations.
"We have presented a revised offer to the USW bargaining committee, and it currently has no expiration date. We hope our employees get a chance to vote on the revised agreement and ratify it."
Chris DellaFranco, bp Whiting refinery manager
Transcription
Hello again, Chris DellaFranco here, the bp Whiting refinery Manager.
I wanted to provide everyone with an update on our ongoing labor negotiations
We received some disappointing news that our most competitive and comprehensive economic offer, or our Last, Best, and Final offer, was voted down by our employees.
Though we are disappointed in the outcome, we will continue to bargain in good faith with the USW bargaining committee; however, we cannot operate in a state of labor uncertainty indefinitely.
We have presented a revised offer to the USW bargaining committee and it currently has no expiration date. We hope our employees get a chance to vote on the revised agreement and ratify it.
Our hope is that we do not have a work stoppage, but we are prepared with highly skilled and trained employees, who can safely run the facility, if it reaches that point.
It is vital that we maintain the safety and operational stability of the refinery.
Thank you for your time and I will continue to keep you updated on progress.