The United Steelworkers union accused BP of intentionally slowing contract negotiations after locking out more than 800 workers at its Indiana refinery earlier this year. Union leaders claim the company has delayed returning to the bargaining table despite publicly expressing interest in reaching a deal. The conflict has become a major labor dispute in the energy sector, raising concerns about worker leverage, refinery operations, and the use of lockouts during collective bargaining negotiations.
See "Union says BP delaying negotiations following Whiting refinery lockout", Staff, Reuters, May 13, 2026