Police officers have clamped down on Saltend protesters who have caused further traffic chaos.
Two demonstrators were arrested yesterday after they blocked the A1033 for the second day running.
Similar scenes were not expected this today as the unions have called a 48-hour break so talks can take place with plant owner Vivergo.
But Humberside Police have vowed to ensure the roads remain clear if further protests take place on Friday morning.
Humberside Police have run out of patience, sending in around 50 officers, along with horses, to ensure there was no repeat of the traffic congestion caused on Monday morning.
Chief Inspector Darren Downs said: "On a number of occasions since the protests began, disruption has been caused to the roads around the Saltend site.
"We are now acting appropriately to try to prevent this happening again.
"We will now be enforcing legislation available under the Public Order Act to minimise disruption to the local community and the surrounding highways to ensure that people can get about their daily lives unaffected.
"Any criminal offences are identified will be dealt with by police and appropriate action taken which includes arresting people responsible."
The 400 workers, employed by sub-contractor Redhall Engineering Solutions Ltd, have been in dispute with plant owner Vivergo for several weeks after they were told they have no jobs .
The problems began when Redhall fell out with Vivergo after the project to build the plant fell behind schedule and over-budget.
GMB Union's senior organiser Les Dobbs branded the police tactics as "heavy handed".
He said: "If members have been arrested, then it is a sad state of affairs.
"But the police were stopping a peaceful process with heavy handed tactics.
"You have 400 blokes who haven't been paid four five weeks so there will be frustration.
"The police formed a line and pushed the protestors towards the road.
"I feel they should have taken a more subtle approach.
"I don't think the police are entirely blameless.
"But I would urge members to stay calm."
Workers will attend BP's annual general meeting in London on Thursday to protest further. The company is part of the Vivergo set up along side British Sugar and Du Pont.
The two protestors were arrested under section 14 of the Public Order Act for blocking a public highway.
A man, 37, from Hull, was cautioned and released while a man, 40, from Cleveland remained in police custody as the Mail went to press.
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