BP Whiting Refinery Workers Authorize Strike Amid National Contract Talks

USW workers at BP's Whiting Refinery voted to authorize a strike as national contract talks between refiners and the union continue. The talks have been ongoing since the previous labor agreement expired, with both sides agreeing to 24-hour extensions. Marathon Executive Vice President Michael Henschen described the talks as "positive," while a local USW chapter representing workers at the refinery claimed there has been little progress in negotiations.