BP Whiting workers rally for fair contract as potential strike looms

Union members and supporters march to BP Whiting Refinery, demanding fair wages and benefits as contract negotiations continue

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At least 250 union members from United Steelworkers Local 7-1, which represents workers at the BP Whiting Refinery, gathered for an informational picket and march to the refinery. The union is negotiating a new contract with BP, with the company proposing significant concessions including the elimination of 100 jobs, reclassification of console operators, and outsourcing of non-core activities. The union has already received 98% strike authorization from its 840 members and is preparing for a potential work stoppage if an agreement cannot be reached.

Why it matters

The BP Whiting Refinery is a major employer in Northwest Indiana, and a strike or lockout could have significant economic impacts on the local community. The union is fighting to preserve jobs, wages, and benefits for its members, while BP is seeking to cut costs and increase profitability. The outcome of these negotiations could set the tone for labor relations in the region's industrial sector.

The details

BP is proposing to eliminate 100 jobs, reclassify console operators as salaried supervisors, and outsource the refinery's environmental department and other non-core activities. The union claims these changes would strip workers of leverage and responsibility. BP says the moves are necessary to improve the refinery's safety and competitiveness. The two sides have held 42 documented bargaining sessions since January 5th, but have been unable to reach an agreement.

  • The previous contract expired at 11:59 pm on January 31, 2026.
  • A negotiation meeting was scheduled for February 15, 2026.

The players

United Steelworkers Local 7-1

The labor union representing workers at the BP Whiting Refinery, who are negotiating a new contract with the company.

BP

The oil and gas company that owns and operates the Whiting Refinery in Indiana.

Eric Schultz

President of USW Local 7-1, who is leading the union's contract negotiations with BP.

Kris Enstrom

Division 1 representative for Local 7-1, who is involved in the contract negotiations.

Frank J. Mrvan

U.S. Representative for Indiana's 1st congressional district, who came out to support the union workers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They're calling for the elimination of 100 jobs — not because they're going away through technology, but because they want to farm them out to a non-union group out of Louisiana. They want to eliminate our highest responsibility operator jobs, and they want to take those responsibilities and give them to management, take our associated pay away. Do we trust them to run those units?”

— Eric Schultz, President, USW Local 7-1 (Chicago Tribune)

“While BP claims to be for the community, it's really about its profit margins. It's trying to make these demands and get rid of us while they lost millions with the direct cost of replacement workers. Strikes aren't good for anyone, but I fear they're not giving us any other option.”

— Kris Enstrom, Division 1 Representative, Local 7-1 (Chicago Tribune)

“We have to figure out a way to make them understand that the greatest asset any company has is the workers. They deserve to be paid, work in a safe place and have the dignity of a good retirement. We're concerned about the 100 members that could get laid off, AI tracking workers wherever they go and having all the power go to the corporation and the workers being left behind. We're here to fight for the families of Northwest Indiana.”

— Frank J. Mrvan, U.S. Representative, Indiana's 1st Congressional District (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The union will take the 98% strike authorization vote to the USW international for final approval. A negotiation meeting between BP and the union is scheduled for February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The contract negotiations between BP and its Whiting Refinery workers highlight the ongoing tensions between corporations seeking to maximize profits and workers fighting to preserve good-paying jobs with decent benefits. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for labor relations in the region's industrial sector.