Indiana Legislators Advocate for Unemployment Benefits for Locked-Out Workers

British Petroleum’s recent actions, following the lockout of over 800 workers in March, have underscored the necessity of a bill introduced by two Indiana lawmakers. This legislation aims to ensure unemployment benefits for workers affected by lockouts, explained one of the bill’s authors.

The company has appealed to the state to deny the already-approved unemployment claims, according to Indiana Senator Rodney Pol, D-Portage. Speaking to the Post-Tribune after a press conference held at USW Local 7-1 headquarters in Whiting, he shared this update alongside State Representative Chuck Moseley and other Democratic candidates.

BP also seeks repayment of the $335 weekly benefits from employees who received or exhausted them. During the press conference on October 2, 2026, United Steelworkers Local 7-1 members emphasized the importance of proposed legislation allowing locked-out workers to collect unemployment insurance.

Current state law requires unions and employers to use all bargaining options and reach an impasse before workers can qualify for unemployment insurance (UI), stated Indiana Democrats spokesman Sam Barloga in a press release. The new legislation clarifies that locked out workers are eligible for UI benefits the day they are locked out.

Efforts to reach BP representatives for comments before press time were unsuccessful. Pol mentioned contacting Governor Mike Braun’s office following the lockout to protect BP workers. He reiterated at the press conference their intention to advance the bill in the January legislative session.

Senator Pol remarked, “In a time of record-high foreclosures and low home buying, a foreign company is trying to starve 800 families. We believe these workers deserve the decency to provide for their families.”

State Representative Chuck Moseley, who sits on the House’s Employment, Labor, and Pensions committee, noted the harsh impact on families, mentioning his grandson among affected workers. He emphasized, “A foreign company imposing such hardship on working families desiring to work is an indignity.”

Democratic candidate Scott Houldieson labeled BP’s actions as “economic terrorism,” highlighting the disparity between benefits in Illinois and Indiana. He pledged to support the legislation, noting his opponent’s likely opposition.

During the press conference, Local 7-1 President Eric Schultz responded to a question about extending unemployment benefits. He assured members that a legal team is addressing these concerns and confirmed efforts to prevent repayment demands after the lockout.

Cynthia Gil shared a personal story, recalling the positive change a BP job brought to her family 20 years ago. She asked, “When will this end?” and questioned the governor’s role. Moseley encouraged the group to urge Governor Braun to prevent the loss of their unemployment benefits.