FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

BP Whiting Refinery, USW Labor Union Set May 18 Talks as Lockout Continues

By

BP (BP) and the United Steelworkers Local 7-1 union will resume labor contract negotiations on May 18, marking the first scheduled talks in months amid a prolonged dispute at the Whiting refinery.

In a Wednesday email to, BP media relations manager Cesar Rodriguez said the company and union leadership have agreed to meet on Monday to continue bargaining.

"The bp Whiting Refinery and the USW Local 7-1 union leadership have agreed to meet for continued labor contract negotiations on Monday, May 18th," Rodriguez said.

He added that the company is seeking an agreement that maintains site competitiveness and safety.

"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," he said, adding, "We have negotiated in good faith from the start and will keep doing so."

The planned meeting comes amid an ongoing dispute between BP and the union representing over 800 workers at the refinery in Whiting, Indiana, which has been locked out since March 18. The two sides last met on March 17.

In a Facebook post on May 12, USW Local 7-1 criticized the firm's handling of negotiations, alleging that BP delayed talks and bargained in bad faith.

Union president Eric Schultz said the union had repeatedly sought to resume negotiations, including a recent email request asking whether BP's bargaining committee was available to meet.

Schultz said BP responded by asking for the agenda and indicating it would not be available to meet for nearly two weeks.

"They know exactly why we need to meet," Schultz said. "Asking what the agenda is, is not a serious response. It is just another delay tactic."

The union also disputed BP's claims that it had sought to resume bargaining earlier, calling those statements "100% false," and accused the company of locking out workers after members rejected its proposals.

Schultz said the union remains committed to reaching a settlement and returning experienced workers to the refinery.

"Our solidarity is our strength," he said. "Our continued resolve will eventually cause the company to bend."

Price: $44.04, Change: $-0.37, Percent Change: -0.82%

Related Articles

Commodities

Europe Unveils National Best Practices to Help Tackle Energy Crisis

The European Union on Wednesday published a catalog of national best practices to help member states reduce gas and oil consumption, cut energy costs, and strengthen resilience as the bloc continues to grapple with the fallout from the Middle East conflict.EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen said the initiative is a practical toolkit for governments seeking immediate savings for households, businesses, and public authorities while advancing the clean-energy transition.The European Commission said the catalog highlights policies already implemented in some member states that can be replicated across the bloc.The initiatives focus on protecting consumers and industry while advancing clean transition goals, accelerating immediate energy savings and the rollout of energy-efficient solutions, and boosting investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy production.The catalog builds on last month's AccelerateEU communication.The Commission said accelerating the implementation of existing EU energy rules could reduce natural gas demand by 10 to 15 billion cubic meters per year and cut oil consumption by 15 to 20 million tonnes of oil equivalent.It also noted that such progress would help lower energy bills and reduce dependence on volatile fossil-fuel markets.The measures are considered practical, proven policies that are already delivering tangible benefits in countries that have adopted them, the Commission said.

Commodities

ERCOT Solar Output Could Top Coal for First Time in 2026, EIA Says

Solar generation in ERCOT could exceed coal-fired output for the first time in 2026, with solar reaching 78 billion kWh versus coal's 60 billion kWh, the US Energy Information Administration said Wednesday.The Electric Reliability Council of Texas grid has steadily increased solar generation as utilities add new capacity to meet fast-growing electricity demand across the state.Natural gas remained ERCOT's largest electricity source from 2021 through 2025, accounting for an average 44% of generation, while solar expanded its share of the power mix from 4% in 2021 to 12% in 2025.Coal's contribution to ERCOT generation dropped to 13% from 19% during the same period, EIA said.Texas could account for nearly 40% of all US solar capacity additions in 2026, equal to about 14 billion kWh, as developers continue expanding renewable energy projects, according to the EIA.Tehuacana Creek 1 Solar and Battery Energy Storage System, an 837-megawatt project expected to begin operating in 2026, could become the largest solar photovoltaic facility added in Texas.The EIA said developers currently have no plans to build additional coal-fired power plants in ERCOT, according to data from its Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory report.ERCOT solar generation first surpassed coal on a monthly basis in March 2025, when solar output reached 4.33 billion kWh, compared with coal generation of 4.16 billion kWh, the report said.ERCOT solar generation could exceed coal from March until December 2026, while solar may remain above coal in every 2027 month except January and December, the EIA said.The EIA forecasts ERCOT solar generation will rise to 99 billion kWh in 2027, while coal generation could total 66 billion kWh as electricity demand increases from data centers, crypto mining and industrial activity.

Commodities

BP Forays Into Uzbekistan with 40% Stake in Ustyurt Oil, Gas Project

BP (BP) has agreed to acquire a 40% interest in a production sharing agreement covering six exploration blocks in Uzbekistan's Ustyurt oil and gas project, marking the company's first project in the Central Asian country.The energy firm said the deal includes the Boyterak, Terengquduq, Birqori, Kharoy, Qoraqalpoq, and Qulboy blocks.Under the deal, BP acquired its 40% stake, 20% each from Azerbaijan's state-owned energy firm Socar and Uzbekneftegaz. Following the deal's closure, participating interests in the PSA are BP 40%, Uzbekneftegaz 30%, and Socar 30%, with the Azerbaijani energy firm acting as operator.BP said the investment marks its first project in Uzbekistan and forms part of its strategy to expand its exploration portfolio for long-term organic growth.The North Ustyurt region, located in western Uzbekistan, is considered prospective for hydrocarbons as the country seeks to attract foreign investment and develop its upstream sector.BP did not disclose financial details of the agreement.Price: $44.07, Change: $-0.33, Percent Change: -0.74%

$BP