Washington, DC – Teamsters at Airgas are on strike in response to the company’s unfair labor practices and refusal to negotiate fair contracts.
The tank-haul workers, represented by Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland and Local 701 in New Brunswick, N.J., have extended picket lines to eight locations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
“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,” said Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tank-haul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large.
Airgas is a subsidiary of the French multinational corporation Air Liquide, and is the largest distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases in the U.S. Last year, the company reported a record $3.8 billion in net profits, and refuses to bargain agreements that meet industry standards.
“Management has forced us to strike,” said Adam Hayes, an Airgas Teamster and steward with Local 507. “Teamsters are united nationwide, and we’ll do whatever it takes to win a fair contract.”
The Teamsters represent hundreds of Airgas workers across the country and are prepared to extend picket lines to even more locations if necessary.
“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,” said Shawn Diaz, an Airgas Teamster and steward with Local 701. “We’ll stay out as long as it takes for Airgas to treat us with the dignity and respect we’ve earned.”
