Negotiations Update #7 from Chris DellaFranco – March 17, 2026
Why the bp Whiting refinery initiated a lockout
Key Takeaways:
- After months of negotiations with the USW bargaining committee, we announced the start of a lockout process effective March 19 at 12:00 a.m.
- We made this difficult decision to ensure a safe and orderly transition of refinery operations amidst sustained labor uncertainties and a lack of meaningful negotiation from the union on the company contract proposals.
- Safety and operational stability remain our top priorities, and we do not expect disruptions to refinery operations or production during the lockout process.
- Trained bp employees who have prepared for more than a year and completed over 80,000 hours of training will safely and effectively operate the refinery during this period.
- We remain committed to bargaining in good faith and will continue providing certain employee benefits, including medical coverage, as we work toward an agreement.
"While this lockout is a difficult decision in very challenging circumstances, the changes we are seeking are necessary to advance the safety and competitiveness of our refinery for decades to come."
Chris DellaFranco, bp Whiting refinery manager
Transcription
Hello again, Chris DellaFranco here, the bp Whiting refinery Manager.
I wanted to give everyone an update about the ongoing labor negotiations that we have had with the USW bargaining committee since January 5.
We still have not reached an agreement, and this afternoon, we provided a revised Company Comprehensive proposal dated March 17th. We also notified the USW bargaining committee that the company will begin the process of a lockout that will take effect Thursday, March 19th at 12:00 am midnight. We made this difficult decision after months of negotiations and great consideration. However, the union has not meaningfully negotiated about the company contract proposals that are critical to the long-term sustainability of the refinery. In fact, the union has unequivocally rejected company proposals twice now without offering a counter that addresses our concerns.
In addition to the status of negotiations, we have been operating in a continued state of labor uncertainty since February 1, including facing the ongoing risk of a strike with only 24-hours notice. It is vital to our community that we control this timeline to allow a safe and orderly transfer of our operations.
So what does this mean to you?
This may mean you will see increased activity around our facilities, including potential demonstrators. We know this may increase concern, but rest assured we are working to ensure the safety of our employees and the community.
The lockout process will take the next 24 hours as we safely transition refinery operations. Our main priority remains the safety of our people and the community by maintaining operational stability of the refinery.
I want to assure the community that we have trained bp employees to run the refinery. They have prepared for over a year and have completed over 80,000 hours of training. They are qualified, highly skilled and committed to running the refinery safely and effectively. We do not expect any disruptions to our operations or production.
Though we are disappointed that we have reached this stage, we will continue to negotiate in good faith with the USW bargaining committee. In order to end the lockout, the USW must accept the March 17, 2026 proposal.
We have also decided to continue providing certain benefits, including medical coverage, for our represented employees as we work towards an agreement. Details about benefits will be provided tomorrow.
While this lockout is a difficult decision in very challenging circumstances, the changes we are seeking are necessary to advance the safety and competitiveness of our refinery for decades to come.
In addition, this activity may cause increased attention in the press and on social media. We ask that you continue to visit our website at www.Whitingnegotiations.com for the latest information.
Lastly, thank you for your time, patience, and understanding. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees, our contractors, and our neighbors.
I will continue to keep you updated at things progress.