Union workers at BP’s Whiting Refinery are set to return to the bargaining table with the company on Monday amid a months-long labor dispute.
Around 800 workers have been locked out of the facility since March following unsuccessful talks over a new labor contract. On Sunday, drivers honked their horns in support of workers on the picket line.
More than 800 union workers are nearing two months without a paycheck as the lockout continues. With both sides far apart in negotiations, bills are mounting, and community members are stepping in to help.
“These are our neighbors, and we wanted to make sure that we could do to help,” said Lisa Vallee with Transitions Northwest Indiana.
Union Hall resembled a grocery store on Sunday, with members able to take whatever they needed – no questions asked.
Negotiations between BP and United Steelworkers Local 71 have been stalled since the workers’ contract expired on Jan. 31.
The union said BP is pushing to cut more than 100 jobs, reduce pay for most positions, limit bargaining rights and lock in a six-year contract.
BP maintains the lockout became necessary after months of failed talks, saying the union has repeatedly refused counterproposals aimed at long-term sustainability.
“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,” BP said in a statement to NBC Chicago.
The union released the following statement to NBC Chicago:
“We will again ask them to lift their lockout and to move away from their demands to cut more than 100 local jobs, make sweeping pay cuts and that we give up our bargaining and seniority rights.”
With no clear end to the lockout, multiple community members said they will continue stocking shelves to support workers as they hold the line.
“Any one could be put in a position in this way especially in this economy if I were to lose my job I hope my community members come out to help me to support my family my community and just be there,” said Andrea Mendez with the Hammond Community Garden.
While both sides return to the bargaining table on Monday, it remains unclear if the lockout will end soon without a long-term deal in place.
