Teamsters at Airgas have initiated a strike, citing the company’s unfair labor practices and its refusal to negotiate fair contracts. The tankhaul workers, who are represented by Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland and Local 701 in New Brunswick, N.J., have extended their picket lines to eight locations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, stated: “The greedy people who run this company are breaking the law and interfering with our members’ rights. They have disrespected the workers who built this business, and now they are facing the consequences.”
Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a French multinational corporation. It is noted as the largest distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases in the U.S. Despite reporting a record $3.8 billion in net profits last year, the company is accused of continuing to break the law and refusing to bargain agreements that meet industry standards.
Adam Hayes, an Airgas Teamster and steward with Local 507 remarked: “Management has forced us to strike. Teamsters are united nationwide, and we’ll do whatever it takes to win a fair contract.”
The union represents hundreds of Airgas workers nationwide and is prepared to extend picket lines further if necessary. Shawn Diaz, an Airgas Teamster and steward with Local 701 added: “This company talks a big game about safety and respect. But when it comes down to it, they won’t even sit across the table and negotiate a real contract. We’ll stay out as long as it takes for Airgas to treat us with the dignity and respect we’ve earned.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents 1.3 million people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
