LINDEN, NJ – October 24, 2026 – U.S. Congressman Rob Menendez has joined workers from Teamsters Local 877 in a show of solidarity as approximately 385 employees remain locked out of the Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery and Linden Terminal following unsuccessful contract negotiations.
The labor dispute began on October 19, when an extension of the workers’ collective bargaining agreement expired. Union members had rejected the company’s proposed contract, citing concerns over wages, healthcare benefits, paid sick leave, working schedules, and workplace safety.
“We Are Not on Strike. We Have Been Locked Out.”
In a video shared on Instagram by Andy Kubasek, Congressman Menendez is seen addressing workers gathered outside the refinery.
Kubasek thanked the Democratic congressman for standing alongside employees and their families during the dispute.
“We’re not on strike. We’ve been LOCKED OUT,” he emphasized in the post.
The message highlights an important distinction: the workers have not voluntarily stopped working as part of a strike. Instead, the company has prevented union-represented employees from returning to their jobs while the labor dispute continues.
Workers Demand Better Benefits and Safer Conditions
Teamsters Local 877 represents refinery operators, mechanics, and other essential personnel at the Bayway facility, one of the largest oil refineries on the East Coast.
According to union representatives, employees are seeking improved healthcare benefits, more paid sick leave, and additional time off following demanding work schedules that can extend to 13 consecutive days.
Union leaders have also raised safety concerns because some locked-out employees normally serve on the refinery’s internal firefighting and emergency response teams.
Phillips 66 maintains that the refinery and terminal continue operating safely with qualified supervisors, engineers, and technical specialists.
Local Officials Raise Safety Concerns
Linden Mayor Derek Armstead has also requested assurances from Phillips 66 regarding emergency preparedness during the lockout.
The mayor expressed concern about the refinery’s ability to respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies without its regular union workforce.
The company has stated that its facilities remain fully staffed and that no operational or safety incidents have been reported as a result of the staffing transition.
Negotiations Remain Unresolved
According to News 12 New Jersey, negotiations between the union and Phillips 66 failed to produce an agreement during discussions earlier this week.
As of October 23, no additional bargaining sessions had been scheduled for the weekend.
The Bayway Refinery produces gasoline, diesel, heating oil, and jet fuel, making its continued operation important to the regional energy supply.
For now, hundreds of workers and their families remain uncertain about when they will return to work.
The Instagram message accompanying Menendez’s visit summed up the workers’ situation:
“385 workers. 385 families. One fight.”
Sources: News 12 New Jersey, Reuters, CBS News New York, Teamsters Local 877, NJ AFL-CIO, Instagram @kubasek.andy.
By NJ RADAR Team