The 2026 oil and petrochemical pattern agreement is poised to reshape U.S. fuel supply and manufacturing leaders need to be ready. In the latest episode of the American Made podcast, Michele Vincent and Joel Zimmerman draw on decades of experience in strike staffing and strike security to offer practical advice for keeping refineries and petrochemical plants running during labor disputes.
With 30,000 United Steelworkers (USW) members and over 200 bargaining units negotiating the 2026 pattern agreement, the stakes are high. The National Oil Bargaining Program (NOBP) encompasses refining, production, pipelines, maintenance, storage, and petrochemical facilities, representing roughly two-thirds of all U.S. refining capacity. Production disruptions at a single refinery or chemical plant can ripple across the U.S. energy market, affecting fuel availability, supply chains, and ultimately, the end consumer.
The ability to project operational readiness during negotiations isn’t just strategic, it’s critical to mitigating risk. In this episode of American Made, Michele and Joel break down why leadership shouldn't take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to strike contingency preparations. This episode provides a clear view of what genuine strike readiness actually entails and what’s at risk when it’s overlooked.
Listen to the full episode below to gain expert insights on strike readiness and protecting your plant during labor negotiations.
| Timestamps: 00:00 – Why your biggest strike threat may not be your own workers 01:00 – Inside the 2026 USW contract negotiations: What’s at stake 03:00 – Common misconceptions about strike staffing and security 06:00 – The quiet power of projecting readiness during negotiations 07:30 – How 24-hour contract extensions disrupt staffing prep 10:00 – The hidden risk of shared temp labor across multiple strikes 11:30 – Why pre-deploying critical workers can be a game changer 13:00 – What most companies get wrong about strike security 15:00 – Union tactics, licensing gaps, and invisible liability 21:00 – Final advice: If you’re going to prepare, do it all the way |
By taking a proactive, all-in approach, plants can protect operational continuity even under the most challenging circumstances. The episode closes with a clear message: meaningful labor dispute preparedness must begin well before contract expiration and extend beyond temporary staffing alone, encompassing adjusting production schedules, identifying critical roles, security strategy, and risk mitigation across the entire facility.
More information about the National Oil Bargaining Program, what negotiations between Marathon and the United Steelworkers mean for U.S. refining operations, and the latest updates can be found on our blog post, National Oil Bargaining Talks Continue with Marathon & USW.
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