The United Steelworkers union plans to focus on wages, benefits and the use of artificial intelligence in its upcoming contract talks with oil companies.

The current contracts with major oil companies, including at the BP Whiting Refinery, expire in February 2026. USW National Oil Bargaining Policy Committee Chair Mike Smith said negotiations are slated to start in January.

The USW held its National Oil Bargaining Conference in Pittsburgh this week to discuss priorities, goals and strategy as it gears up for the latest round of contract talks.

Marathon is slated to represent the industry as the lead negotiator, Smith said. The USW and Marathon will work to reach a pattern agreement that will serve as a template for the contracts with other oil companies, such as BP, that will still be n

See Full Page