Airgas Drivers and Fillers in Ferndale Demand Fair Contract, Ready to Strike

The Facts -

Airgas Workers in Ferndale Ready to Strike for Fair Contract

Press Contact: Colin McCullough
Phone: (856) 625-6856
Email: cmccullough@teamster.org

In a decisive move, drivers and fillers at Airgas in Ferndale, Michigan, have cast a unanimous vote in favor of authorizing a strike. This decision comes in response to ongoing disputes over contract negotiations between the workers, represented by Teamsters Local 283, and the company. The workers are seeking a contract that aligns with the terms achieved by their counterparts at Airgas locations nationwide.

Steve Hicks, President of Teamsters Local 283, expressed his discontent, stating, “The company’s repeated attempts to push a substandard contract are unacceptable. We’re not afraid to do whatever it takes to hold this greedy corporation accountable. If Airgas keeps dragging its feet, they’ll be putting themselves on strike.”

Airgas, the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases, is a subsidiary of the French multinational Air Liquide. Despite boasting nearly $30 billion in revenue last year, the company is accused of offering contracts that fall short of industry standards, which has fueled the dissatisfaction among Ferndale workers.

Matthew Manor, a veteran Teamster with 28 years as a driver at Airgas, voiced the workers' sentiments: “We’re not complaining about the work, we just want to be paid fairly for it. Nobody wants to strike, but if the company fails to offer what we deserve, we’ll have no choice but to act.”

The situation in Ferndale marks a significant moment for Teamsters Local 283, which represents over 800 workers in various sectors across the Detroit area. As tensions rise, all eyes are on Airgas to see how they will respond to the demands for a fair contract.

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