The Teamsters have broadened their strike against Airgas, with workers at more than 15 locations in 11 states joining the action. The protest, initially led by Airgas Teamsters in Cleveland and New Jersey, now includes facilities in California, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
“Airgas has failed to treat our members with the dignity and respect they deserve,” stated Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large. “This expansion could have been avoided if the company had simply bargained in good faith.”
Airgas is currently facing several unfair labor practice charges and has been accused of not engaging in meaningful negotiations for months. Recently, unidentified chemical agents were reportedly released on picketing Teamsters in Peoria, Illinois, and Oakland, New Jersey.
“They think they can scare us into backing down,” said Shawn Diaz from Local 701 in New Jersey. “We’re united…and we’re ready to do whatever it takes to win the fair contract we deserve.”
Teamsters Local 996 in Honolulu is also preparing to strike due to Airgas’s ongoing practices. Airgas is a subsidiary of French multinational Air Liquide and reported over $3.8 billion in profits last year.
“Airgas started this fight,” commented Robert Schuller from Local 507 in Cleveland. “Our Teamsters brothers and sisters across the country are standing with us.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million people across North America.
