Teamsters at Airgas Stand Ready to Strike Against Management's Stalling Tactics

Teamsters at Airgas Stand Ready to Strike

Workers represented by the Teamsters at Airgas are on high alert as tensions rise amid stalled contract negotiations with management. As frustrations mount over what the Teamsters describe as deliberate delays and violations of federal labor laws, members have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. With chapters located in Ferndale, Michigan (Teamsters Local 283), and Cleveland, Ohio (Teamsters Local 507), workers are gearing up for potential action if a fair contract is not forthcoming.

The stakes have never been higher. According to Juan Campos, the Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and an International Vice President At-Large, Airgas management is engaging in hardball tactics, actively undermining workers' rights. Campos states, "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, a subsidiary of French multinational corporation Air Liquide, stands as the largest distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases in the United States. The company's revenues soared to nearly $30 billion last year. However, despite achieving record profits, Airgas continues to break labor laws and refuses to negotiate contracts that meet standard industry expectations.

Teamsters Local 507 Secretary-Treasurer Dan Chavez voiced the frustration felt by many, stating, "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 potential strike could escalate beyond Michigan and Ohio, as Teamsters from Local 701 in New Jersey have already been forced onto picket lines for similar issues. The union claims that Airgas's continued refusal to present a fair contract will result in a multi-local strike that could potentially extend to picket lines throughout the country.

Steve Hicks, President of Local 283, further emphasizes the gravity of the situation, saying, "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 hardworking individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, advocating for workers' rights and fair treatment. As the deadline for negotiations looms, all eyes are on Airgas management to see if they will take the necessary steps to avoid a full-scale strike.

For those interested in keeping track of the developments, more information can be found at Teamster.org. Further updates are also available through their social media channels on Twitter and Facebook.