Phillips 66 Locks Out Nearly 400 Workers at Linden Refinery

Phillips 66 has locked out nearly 400 union workers at its Bayway Refinery and Linden Terminal in Linden, after a contract extension expired at 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 19, 2026. Union County Life is summarizing the latest reporting from TAPinto on the dispute between the company and Teamsters Local 877.

The union’s contract expired Oct. 1. The two sides reached a tentative agreement, but members rejected the company’s latest offer in a final ratification vote, with 160 yes votes and 196 no votes. Union workers are seeking changes to the company’s attendance policy, better work schedules, and a larger share of company profits. Many employees work rotations of 13 days on and 13 nights on before a single day off.

Picketing continues around the clock at all three gates, and workers are carrying signs reading “Locked Out” and “Pay Up.”

Union President Jeff Sandford said, “The union represents 400 that are now locked out off-site. We are concerned that out of 400 members, we have 120 emergency response members that are outside the refinery.” Union members typically staff emergency response teams, and those roles are now vacant inside the refinery during the lockout.

In a statement, Phillips 66 said, “The contract extension covering union-represented employees at Phillips 66’s Bayway Refinery and Linden Terminal expired as of 4:00 pm ET on Oct. 19. In the absence of a further extension and to meet our commitment to safe and reliable operations, Phillips 66 has now locked out union-represented employees at those facilities.” The company added, “The company is disappointed by this development as its preference was to avoid this situation. Phillips 66 plans to maintain safe operations at the Bayway Refinery and Linden Terminal with properly trained and qualified personnel to meet all customer requirements.”

The company said personnel supporting operations include supervisors, engineers, and technical experts. It also said it cannot comment further at this time.

Both sides were scheduled to return to the bargaining table at 10 a.m. on Oct. 20. The union says it will continue picketing until an agreement is reached. The source does not report how that session ended, so the current status is unconfirmed.

Find more Linden business and local news at unioncountylife.com.

FAQ

Why were Phillips 66 workers locked out?
Phillips 66 locked out union workers after a contract extension expired at 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 19, 2026. The company said it was acting to meet its commitment to safe and reliable operations.

How many workers are affected?
Nearly 400 union-represented employees at the Bayway Refinery and Linden Terminal are locked out.

What are the union’s main demands?
Union workers want changes to the attendance policy, improved work schedules, and a larger share of company profits.

Is the lockout over?
The source does not say. The latest report does not state how the Oct. 20 bargaining session ended.