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Teamsters at Phillips 66 Vote to Authorize Strike

The labor unrest at Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery has reached a critical point as members of Teamsters Local 877 have voted overwhelmingly—by a staggering 92%—to authorize a potential strike. With 385 process and mechanical workers employed at one of the largest oil refineries on the East Coast, their call for action signals a growing discontent with management over contract negotiations.

The main issues at stake stem from the workers' demands for a new contract that encompasses fair wages, enhanced benefits, guaranteed paid time off, and preservation of previously negotiated contractual terms. Jeff Sanford, the President of Local 877, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that the decision for a strike is a last resort left to the workers by Phillips 66 management. “If a strike occurs,” he emphasized, “it will be because they have left us with no other choice.”

The urgency of these negotiations has increased with the impending expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement on October 1, 2026. The most contentious point at the moment is the management's implementation of an Absence Control Policy. This new policy allows management to impose disciplinary actions—including terminations—for absences due to illness, a move that many workers see as punitive and demoralizing.

Moreover, the proposed contract adjustments by management are alarming workers. There are suggestions to reduce qualification requirements for certain safety-sensitive positions and to shorten the current 30-month training period for new hires—both of which workers fear could compromise the integrity and safety of operations at the refinery. The proposed changes are troubling to many, especially with management tying probationary status to qualification milestones which could extend up to six years instead of the current ten months, potentially leaving new workers in a position of uncertainty for far too long.

Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division, highlighted the critical nature of the workers' roles within the energy sector, asserting that the Northeast's energy infrastructure relies heavily on their labor. “If management thinks they can drag their feet and force workers to settle for less,” Campos warned, “they're in for a sobering wake-up call.”

As negotiations continue without any resolution in sight, workers are preparing for every scenario. Many fear that if the management persists with their current strategies, they may face an unavoidable confrontation on the picket line. Fred Trachsler, an experienced operator and steward for Local 877, noted the risks involved in their line of work, stating, “We put our health, safety, and livelihoods on the line to keep this refinery running, and we expect to be compensated accordingly.”

The Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery is a powerhouse in the industry, processing enormous amounts of crude oil and gasoline—275 million barrels of crude oil and 145 million barrels of gasoline products daily, generating nearly $4.4 billion last year alone. With such staggering figures illustrating the refinery’s importance, the workers' demands for fair treatment have a resounding impact not just on their lives but also on the larger energy sector in the Northeast.

The future of Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery hangs in the balance as the Teamsters stand united, showing no signs of backing down from their quest for respect, safety, and fair compensation. As we approach the expiration of the current contract, eyes will be closely watching both negotiations and the resolve of the workers prepared to fight for their rights.