BP Workers at Whiting Refinery Prepare for Potential Strike

United Steelworkers Union says labor negotiations have stalled with BP

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The United Steelworkers Union has announced that workers at BP's Whiting, Indiana refinery should prepare for a potential strike or lockout, as weeks of labor negotiations between the union and the company have failed to reach an agreement.

Why it matters

The Whiting refinery is one of BP's largest facilities in the United States, with the potential for a work stoppage to disrupt fuel supplies and impact the regional economy. Labor disputes in the oil and gas industry can often be contentious, with both sides seeking to protect their interests.

The details

According to the union, BP has rejected almost all of the union's proposals during the negotiations, leading the workers to prepare for potential job action. The Whiting refinery employs around 1,800 workers and has the capacity to process up to 430,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

  • The United Steelworkers Union made the announcement on February 5, 2026.

The players

United Steelworkers Union

The labor union representing workers at BP's Whiting refinery, who are preparing for a potential strike or lockout.

BP

The multinational oil and gas company that operates the Whiting refinery in Indiana.

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What’s next

The union and BP will continue negotiations in an attempt to reach a labor agreement and avoid a work stoppage at the Whiting refinery.

The takeaway

This labor dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between oil companies and their unionized workforce, as both sides seek to protect their interests during contract negotiations.