BP criticizes refinery strikes, keeps "open-gate policy"

London-based BP PLC (NYSE: BP) took aim at the United Steelworkers union as employee strikes continue for the second month at select refineries in the Houston area and nationwide. Talks between the USW and lead negotiator Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS-A) were ongoing in Houston this week while BP accused the union of rejecting many offers to resolve the conflict. "We remain very disappointed that strikes were called even as the industry remained at the national and local bargaining tables," BP said…