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

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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%

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