NJ Refinery Lockout May Hit Fuel Supply and Prices, Union Warns

Labor Dispute at Bayway Refinery Raises Northeast Fuel Supply and Price Concerns

A labor dispute at one of the East Coast’s largest refineries threatens Northeast fuel supplies and could drive up prices at the pump, union leaders warned Tuesday. Workers locked out of the Bayway Oil Refinery in Linden, New Jersey, report that the critical facility is operating with skeleton crews as contract negotiations remain stalled, newjersey.news12.com reported.

Regional Fuel Production and Safety Concerns at the Linden Facility

The Linden refinery plays a major role in supplying gasoline, jet fuel, and plastics throughout New York, New Jersey, and the broader Northeast. Union President Jeff Sanford emphasized the critical nature of the plant’s output during an interview. “Again, we’re the largest Northeast refinery,” Sanford said. “We provide fuel for not only New York airports, but the major airports as well.” Beyond aviation and motor fuels, the facility produces plastics and other petroleum-based products as one of the few operations of its kind in the region.

Sanford voiced deep apprehension regarding facility safety while management operates during the lockout with reduced staffing. “They’re running skeleton crews, and that’s our fear. Our fear for the local community,” Sanford said. He noted that union members who normally staff emergency response teams are currently locked out and prohibited from entering the refinery grounds.

Phillips 66 Maintains Refinery Operations as Negotiations Stall

Negotiators are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Tuesday, but Sanford noted there were no signs overnight that either side had moved closer to a resolution. “We’re hoping for a resolution to get this done. Sooner the better,” Sanford said, adding that the company has not indicated any willingness to alter its stance in the talks.

Conversely, Phillips 66 maintains that the facility remains secure and fully functional. A spokesperson for the Bayway Oil Refinery issued a statement asserting that “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 added that personnel supporting ongoing operations include supervisors, engineers, and technical experts with years of experience in refinery and terminal management.

Questions Regarding the Linden Refinery Dispute

What products does the Bayway Oil Refinery supply to the region?

The facility supplies gasoline, jet fuel, plastics, and other petroleum-based products to New York, New Jersey, and the wider Northeast.

Who is currently operating the Linden facility during the lockout?

According to Phillips 66, the refinery is operating with supervisors, engineers, and technical experts who possess years of experience in refinery and terminal operations.

When are negotiators scheduled to resume talks?

Bargaining sessions were scheduled to resume on Tuesday following a period where union officials reported no movement toward a resolution.