Teamsters at Airgas are preparing to strike as negotiations with the company have stalled and alleged violations of federal labor laws persist. Workers from Teamsters Local 283 in Ferndale, Michigan, and Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland have voted to authorize a strike.
The potential strike action follows a similar move by Teamsters Local 701 members in New Jersey, who took to the picket line last week due to unresolved contract issues.
Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, stated, “Airgas management is playing hardball and actively undermining our members’ rights. The company is dragging out negotiations on purpose. They think they can wear our members down if they keep stalling. But Teamsters are more fired up than ever and ready for this fight.”
Airgas is a subsidiary of French multinational Air Liquide and is noted as the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases. Despite generating nearly $30 billion last year, the company has been accused of breaking labor laws and failing to offer contracts that meet industry standards.
Dan Chavez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 507, commented on the situation saying, “Our members are done being strung along by this company. A strike isn’t our first choice, but if Airgas won’t bargain in good faith or stop violating our rights, we’re prepared to take action. This is a fight Airgas will regret starting.”
The Teamsters represent hundreds of Airgas workers nationwide. Should Airgas not present a fair contract or rectify its labor practices, a multi-local strike could extend picket lines across the country.
Steve Hicks, President of Local 283, added his perspective: “The company has refused to offer a contract that respects the skill, dedication, and value our members bring to the job every single day. If a strike happens, the blame lies squarely with Airgas management.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
