Airgas Accused of Chemical Releases in Illinois and New Jersey Strikes

Teamsters Confront Airgas Over Alleged Chemical Releases

In an unsettling development, Airgas is under scrutiny for releasing unidentified chemicals at strike locations in both Illinois and New Jersey. These incidents, perceived as orchestrated efforts to intimidate striking Teamsters, have raised serious concerns about worker safety and corporate responsibility.

Teamsters Tankhaul Division Director, Juan Campos, expressed doubt over the accidental nature of these events, stating, “One incident might be an accident, but two, in different states, is hard to believe... This looks like a targeted attack on workers standing up for their rights, and we’re going to make damn sure they’re held accountable.”

Following the incidents, Teamsters Local 701 promptly reached out to law enforcement, prompting immediate detective investigations and subsequent hazmat unit evaluations. The Teamsters are committed to pursuing all legal options to determine the truth and address Airgas's accountability.

Ron Lake, President of Teamsters Local 701, shared his disbelief at the occurrences, emphasizing the potential deliberateness of these actions and the risk posed to member safety. “This company endangered the lives of our members, and it looks deliberate,” he stated. The quest for truth and accountability remains a top priority.

Airgas, part of the global corporation Air Liquide, reported a significant profit of $3.8 billion last year. The Teamsters union, representing numerous Airgas employees nationwide, has been on strike since June, with participation from Local 507 in Cleveland and Local 701 in New Jersey, and picketing spreading to additional locations nationwide. For more information on the strike, visit the official page.

Travis Cox, a Local 701 member and Airgas filler, highlighted the unusual nature of the incidents, noting that simultaneous leaks at different sites are highly atypical, suggesting the possibility of manual venting. “It is almost impossible that two seals popped at different locations like this,” he remarked.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, advocates for 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. To learn more about their efforts, visit Teamster.org. Stay informed via their social media channels on X and Facebook.