Teamsters Strike Grows as Workers Demand Fair Contracts Nationwide

Escalating Tensions: Airgas Workers Strike in 11 States

Workers across 11 states are intensifying their strike against Airgas, highlighting growing discontent within the company. This nationwide movement now includes over 15 locations, where employees are demanding fair treatment and contracts. The strike, originally initiated by Airgas Teamsters in Cleveland and New Jersey, has rapidly expanded to cover states such as California, Illinois, and New York.

Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, remarked, “Airgas has failed to treat our members with the dignity and respect they deserve.” He emphasized that the situation could have been resolved amicably if the company had engaged in genuine negotiations, but instead, it chose a confrontational path.

Compounding the tensions, Airgas faces accusations of unfair labor practices and has reportedly not engaged in meaningful discussions for several months. A significant point of contention arose when unidentified chemical agents were allegedly used on striking workers in Peoria, Illinois, and Oakland, New Jersey, in what some perceive as an attempt to intimidate the protesters. Details on this incident can be found here.

Longtime Airgas employee and Local 701 shop steward, Shawn Diaz, stated, “They think they can scare us into backing down, but they’re wrong. We’re united, we’re not going anywhere, and we’re ready to do whatever it takes to win the fair contract we deserve.”

Beyond the continental U.S., Teamsters Local 996 in Honolulu, Hawaii, is also gearing up for a strike. This move could significantly impact Airgas's operations as the company, a subsidiary of the French multinational Air Liquide, reported earnings exceeding $3.8 billion last year.

Robert Schuller, a veteran driver with Local 507 in Cleveland, declared, “Airgas started this fight, and we’re going to finish it. Our Teamsters brothers and sisters across the country are standing with us, and we’re turning up the heat.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more details, visit Teamster.org. You can also follow their updates on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.