Teamsters working at Airgas in Honolulu have joined a nationwide strike over what union leaders describe as ongoing unfair labor practices and a lack of good faith bargaining by the company. More than 40 drivers and fillers who deliver industrial, medical, and specialty gases across Hawaii are now participating in the action alongside other Teamsters throughout the United States.
Kevin K. Holu, President of Teamsters Local 996, stated, “The disrespect our members have seen at the bargaining table is completely unacceptable. This greedy company is going to pay the price. We are proud to join hundreds of Teamsters across the country who are taking on Airgas and demanding what they have earned.”
The Hawaii contingent joins workers from Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland and Local 701 in New Jersey, both of which began striking in June. On Tuesday, picket lines were extended to 15 more facilities across 11 states as workers call for contracts that align with industry standards and an end to alleged unfair labor practices.
Jonathan Kapua, a cryogenic technician at Airgas with 25 years of experience and Local 996 steward, said, “We work long hours for this company every day, and all we are asking for is fair pay and decent benefits so we can take care of our families. We do not want to be on strike, but management left us no choice. They have refused to bargain and violated our rights.”
Airgas operates as a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a French multinational corporation that reported profits exceeding $3.8 billion last year. The company has faced multiple allegations of unfair labor practices and has experienced stalled negotiations for several months. In recent developments, unidentified chemical agents were reportedly released on striking Teamsters in Peoria, Illinois, and Oakland, New Jersey—a move union representatives say could be an attempt to intimidate or harm workers.
Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large commented: “Airgas picked a fight with the Teamsters from across the country, and Hawaii is now part of our fight, too. This company will be held accountable for its greed, its incompetence, and its total disregard for its workforce. Our members will never back down until they get the contracts they deserve.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents approximately 1.3 million workers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
