Energy Workers Strike

Essential workers at the United Metro Energy oil terminal in Brooklyn have been on strike since April 19, 2021. The workers provided gasoline, diesel, and heating oil to New York throughout the pandemic, while the company’s billionaire owner, John Catsimatidis, paid them wages as much as 50% lower than at other city oil companies.

The company has sent letters to nine workers over the course of the strike telling them that they have been “permanently replaced.”A National Labor Relations Board investigation found that the firings illegally targeted union activists.

DONATE: Support these Teamster strikers so they can provide for their families and stay strong on the picket line

UMEC terminal workers, fleet mechanics, and service technicians voted to join Teamsters Local 553 in February 2019, but Catsimatidis dragged out negotiations for a first contract for two years, precipitating the strike. While other unionized fuel terminals in New York City pay good wages and provide quality benefits, UMEC has for years undercut those wages and only offered an expensive health plan that is not accepted by many doctors.

In November, the New York City Comptroller opened an investigation into complaints that United Metro Energy has not paid workers the prevailing wage when delivering heating oil to City buildings.

The oil terminal distributes heating oil to New York City schools and hospitals, as well as fuel to area gas stations.