Council backs United Steelworkers locked out at BP in 4-1-1 vote; union representative thanks council after adjournment

The Crown Point Common Council voted 4-1-1 on June 1 to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06-09R expressing support for United Steelworkers members locked out at the British Petroleum refinery in Whiting. Mayor Land introduced the resolution and framed it as support for working families in the community. Member Chad Jeffries said he viewed the resolution as standing with constituents' middle-class jobs and benefits; Member Joe Sanders explained he supports labor generally but felt Council business should focus on municipal duties and therefore abstained.

Member Laura Sauerman said she had never before seen the Council take a position on a labor dispute in her 20-plus years and voted no. Member Andrew Kyres moved approval and Member Bob Clemons seconded; the roll call was 4 ayes, 1 nay (Sauerman), and 1 abstention (Joe Sanders). After adjournment, Luke Hoffman, an Executive Board member of United Steelworkers Local 7-1 who identified himself as a Crown Point resident, thanked the Council for the vote and said the lockout began March 19, 2026. He urged British Petroleum to return to bargaining and described the resolution as an important message of community support for affected families.