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Hammond council unanimously backs USW Local 71, urges BP to end Whiting lockout
Summary
The Hammond City Council passed Resolution 26R-12 urging British Petroleum to end the lockout of roughly 800 United Steelworkers Local 71 members at the Whiting refinery and return to good-faith bargaining; the measure passed unanimously after remarks from union leaders and council members.
The Hammond Common Council on May 26 passed Resolution 26R-12, expressing the city’s support for the approximately 800 members of United Steelworkers Local 71 who have been locked out of the BP Whiting refinery since March 19 and urging British Petroleum to end the lockout and resume good-faith bargaining.
Councilman Tyler introduced the resolution and moved for its passage, explaining the measure’s intent to highlight the financial and emotional strain on workers and families in Northwest Indiana. The motion was seconded and the council voted 9–0 to approve the resolution.
Mayor (addressing the council) said the city stands with the workers: “We support the workers of 71. It’s not right what’s going on,” and urged BP to return to the negotiating table.
Eric Schultz, who identified himself as president of United Steelworkers Local 71, addressed the council and thanked members for the support. “On behalf of our nearly 800 locked out members and their families, I want to sincerely thank this council for standing with working people,” Schultz said, adding that the lockout has “placed enormous financial and emotional strain on families across Northwest Indiana.”
Council members framed the resolution as an expression of local solidarity rather than a legal remedy. During discussion several members described family ties to steel work and the local economic impact. Applause followed public affirmation from union representatives, and multiple council members asked to be added as co-sponsors; the council agreed to add the body as a sponsor and the motion carried unanimously.
The resolution notes concerns that replacement workers are being used at the refinery, which council members said raises safety and community stability concerns. No BP representative spoke at the meeting and the city’s action is a political statement urging a negotiated settlement.
Next steps: the resolution will be placed on file as adopted by the council; the transcript records speakers urging continued public pressure and outreach to BP, and members said they expected the matter to remain in public view as negotiations continue.
