Ohio and NJ Teamsters Extend Airgas Strike to Northeast States

Workers at Airgas Stand Firm in Labor Dispute, Picket Lines Expand Across States

In a significant escalation of their ongoing labor dispute, Teamsters at Airgas have initiated strikes in response to alleged unfair labor practices by the company. Represented by Teamsters Local 507 from Cleveland and Local 701 from New Brunswick, N.J., the tankhaul workers have broadened their picket lines to cover eight different 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," stated Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large.

Airgas, operating as a subsidiary under the French multinational Air Liquide, holds the title of largest distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases in the United States. Despite reporting a record net profit of $3.8 billion last year, the company is accused of refusing to negotiate industry-standard contracts and breaking labor laws.

"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 union represents hundreds of Airgas employees nationwide and signals readiness to extend picketing efforts further if required. "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," commented 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."

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, advocates for 1.3 million hardworking individuals throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further information, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated by following their posts on X @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.