Teamsters and IAFF Pressure Sutphen Amid Four-Month Strike

Labor Unrest at Sutphen Corporation Sparks Nationwide Boycott Calls

For nearly four months, production workers at the Sutphen Corporation, a fire truck manufacturer based in Dublin, Ohio, have been on strike over labor disagreements. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) are now urging fire departments and local governments across the U.S. and Canada to avoid doing business with the company until fair labor practices are restored.

This strike, which began on May 28, stems from allegations of unfair labor practices. Workers, represented by Teamsters Local 284, claim that Sutphen Corporation has consistently failed to engage in good-faith negotiations for a new contract involving those who produce fire safety equipment.

Mark Vandak, President of Local 284, remarked, "After it hired union busters to negotiate a new labor contract, Sutphen Corporation became a repeat offender of our nation’s labor laws.” He further highlighted the negative impact of these tactics on the company’s reputation, stating, “It is shocking that a successful family-owned business has let these dirty union busters drag its good name through the mud."

Affirming these claims, the National Labor Relations Board's Region 9 recently found credible grounds in the unfair labor practice (ULP) charges against Sutphen for negotiating in bad faith. Consequently, Vandak is optimistic that potential clients will adhere to the boycott, thus supporting the workers’ cause.

Solidarity from labor leaders has been strong, with both Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and IAFF General President Ed Kelly backing the boycott. This has already influenced decisions such as the City of Columbus, Ohio, terminating its contract with Sutphen, a move that the Teamsters hope will be replicated by other clients encouraged to cancel their orders.

Teamsters Local 284, known for representing workers across various sectors such as transportation, warehouse, aviation, and government service in Central Ohio, remains steadfast in its support of the striking workers. Further details on their activities and the strike can be found at teamsters284.unionactive.com.