Linden, N.J. – – September 29, 2026 -- Members of Teamsters Local 877 at the Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery voted by a 92 percent margin to authorize a strike, putting the largest oil refinery on the East Coast at risk of a labor disruption as its current contract expires Oct. 1.
385 process and mechanical workers reject proposed safety and probation changes
The bargaining unit covers 385 process and mechanical workers who are pushing for higher wages, stronger benefits and reliable paid time off. Phillips 66 has proposed shortening the current 30-month training period and reducing qualification requirements, according to the union. Management also proposed extending probationary status tied to qualification milestones that could take up to six years to complete, replacing the existing 10-month probationary period.
2025 Absence Control Policy allows termination for illness-related absences
Local 877 says a policy implemented by management in 2025 permits discipline, including termination, for employee absences due to illness. Jeff Sanford, President of Local 877, said a strike would result from management leaving workers with no other choice.
Refinery generated $4.4 billion in revenue last year
The Bayway facility processes 275 million barrels of crude oil and 145 million barrels of gasoline products, and generated $4.4 billion in revenue last year, per the union. Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division, said the Northeast's energy infrastructure depends on the labor of these workers.
Negotiations continue as contract deadline nears
Talks between the union and Phillips 66 remain ongoing, with no agreement reached as of the contract's Oct. 1 expiration. Fred Trachsler, an 18-year operator and Local 877 steward, said workers will not accept weaker safety standards or concessions, and are prepared to move to the picket line if management does not change course.