Negotiations Update #9 from Chris DellaFranco – March 26, 2026
Whiting lockout update: operational and community safety
Key Takeaways:
- The Whiting refinery continues to operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with all applicable regulations, with no expected impacts to operations or production.
- Safety remains our highest priority, including the safety of employees, contractors, demonstrators, and the surrounding community.
- We remain committed to bargaining in good faith and are prepared to resume negotiations with the union at any time if they express interest in continuing discussions.
- Our goal remains reaching an agreement that supports a competitive business capable of fueling the region and providing good-paying jobs for generations to come.
"We remain ready to meet and resume negotiations if the union contacts us and expresses an interest in doing so."
Chris DellaFranco, bp Whiting refinery manager
Transcription
Hello again. Chris DellaFranco here, the bp Whiting refinery Manager. I want to provide an update on refinery operations, our labor negotiations, and the lockout.
First, on refinery operations and the activity around the plant. Safety remains our top priority; safety of our employees, contractors, and the community.
The refinery continues to operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. We are not expecting impacts to our operations or production. We understand the important role this refinery plays for the region.
In regards to the activity around the refinery, we value our represented employees and respect their right to lawful assembly. At the same time, we expect all activities around our facilities to remain safe for all of our stakeholders.
On negotiations, we remain committed to bargaining in good faith, with the hope of reaching an agreement. We last met with union on Tuesday, March 17th and presented a revised offer, which, if accepted, would have prevented the lockout. We remain ready to meet and resume negotiations if the union contacts us and expresses an interest in doing so.
We want to bring these negotiations to a close as quickly as possible, so we can move forward together with our employees. However, our goal is to have a competitive business in a range of market conditions, so we can continue to fuel the region and provide good paying jobs for generations to come.
We also recognize there can be a lot of commentary and speculation, especially online. We encourage everyone looking for accurate information on the status of negotiations and refinery operations to rely on official updates. That is why we created the Whiting Negotiations update page at www.WhitingNegotiations.com, to deliver clear and timely information to employees, partners, the community, and all who depend on us.
We will continue to share updates as negotiations progress through our official bp communications channels. Please visit our website and sign up for email updates. And for members of the media with questions or inquiries, please contact the U.S. Press Office at uspress@bp.com.
Thank you for your time, your patience and understanding. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees, contractors, and the neighborhoods where we operate.
I will continue to keep you informed as things progress.