Northwest Indiana congressman calls on BP to end lockout at Whiting Refinery

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, is calling on the top executive at BP to end the lockout at its Whiting Refinery, which has kept some 800 union workers from their jobs for more than two weeks.

In a letter to BP CEO Meg O'Neill, Mrvan said he's concerned that the lockout instigated by BP is endangering public health and safety in and around the refinery, the Region's economic stability, as well as the nation’s energy security.

"The Whiting refinery is the largest in the Midwest and plays a central role in supplying the region with gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. According to the Energy Information Administration, past disruptions at Whiting have had an impact on the supply of petroleum products and raised energy prices in the Chicago market," Mrvan said.

"Especially at a time when global energy markets remain volatile, the United States cannot afford unnecessary disruptions at this key domestic refining asset."

Mrvan's letter, co-signed by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, an Illinois Democrat, emphasized that many people believe the refinery's post-lockout staffing level of about 450 people is inadequate given the high-hazard chemical processes routinely conducted at the refinery.

"The current situation introduces the risk that the refinery will be staffed with personnel who lack the skills and training necessary to manage abnormal operating conditions," Mrvan said.

"Therefore, ensuring that this refinery is operated by a highly trained and unionized workforce is a matter of public safety for the families and businesses who live in close proximity to this refinery and rely on BP to maintain the highest standards of safety."

Mrvan also reminded O'Neill that the National Labor Relations Act requires employers and unions to bargain in good faith to negotiate the terms of employment.

"We urge you to end this lockout immediately and negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement that maintains a strong, skilled, unionized workforce at this critical facility," he said.

Mrvan's call to resume negotiations echoes similar demands by numerous local, state and federal elected officials, including Republican Gov. Mike Braun.

The BP lockout followed some three months of unsuccessful negotiations on a new contract between the London-based energy giant and members of United Steelworkers Local 7-1.

The company is looking to replace some 100 union employees with lower-paid, non-union contractors, while also demanding the union agree to a six-year contract.

Union members insist BP should not be demanding concessions from its workers when it turned a $7.5 billion profit last year.