Workers take to picket lines after being locked out of BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana
Hundreds of workers were locked out of the BP refinery in Whiting, Indiana, on Thursday after contract negotiations failed to produce a deal ahead of a midnight deadline.
Since midnight Wednesday night, workers have been at the picket lines. They said they are willing to stay out as long as it takes.
The lockout took effect at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, and affects more than 800 workers. Overnight, workers lined entrances to the refinery holding signs, honking horns, and settling in for around-the-clock picketing.
Union leaders say negotiations have stalled for months. They are accusing BP of rejecting their proposals on jobs, pay, and safety.
"A lot of people think that it's just about the money. That's not what it is," said BP worker Rob Wimberly. "You know, they want us to give up our bargaining rights, you know, just basically give up all of our rights as the union, that they can just make decisions and do whatever they want with the employees, and it's just not, it's not fair."
Union president Eric Schultz told CBS News Chicago that BP is demanding they cut 100 jobs and accept pay cuts to nearly all positions, something they won't accept.
"We felt the entire time that the company had no desire, no intent on moving on the proposals. It kind of felt that this was going to be inevitable. We did everything we could to try to avoid it, but the company just wasn't willing to." Schultz said. "So we've been prepared for it. It's obviously still stressful for everybody — 800-plus families out in the streets without a job, it's a lot of stress on people."
"The company has really refused to move much at all on their massive proposals, refused to acknowledge our proposals," Schultz said.
BP said it has made a comprehensive offer, and plans to continue operating the refinery with trained staff, adding that it does not expect disruptions to production.
Union members said they are prepared to stay out on the picket lines 24/7 until there is movement at the bargaining table.
BP said it was not providing on-camera interviews, but did release a statement Thursday: "We value our employees and respect their right to assemble safely and lawfully. However, we disagree with any statements or signs indicating the lockout is illegal. We do not expect impacts to our operations or production."
The company accused the union of not meaningfully negotiating company proposals that are critical to BP's long-term prospects. The refinery is now being operated by the other trained employees.
BP said the lockout would not end until the union accepts its proposal issued Tuesday of this week.
The Whiting refinery is BP's largest refinery in the world, producing 440,000 barrels a day. It is located less than 20 miles from downtown Chicago.