Gas Released at Two Separate Locations, Teamsters Question Motives

(WASHINGTON) – Last week, Airgas released unidentified chemical agents on striking Teamsters at multiple locations nationwide. The incidents, which occurred at facilities in both Illinois and New Jersey, were potentially deliberate and coordinated attacks meant to intimidate, threaten, and harm workers exercising their federally protected rights.

“One incident might be an accident, but two, in different states, is hard to believe,” said Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large. “Airgas knew exactly what it was doing. 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.”

Teamsters Local 701 immediately contacted law enforcement, and detectives responded to investigate at the employer’s facility. In the subsequent days, hazmat units were dispatched to investigate further. The Teamsters will pursue every available legal avenue to uncover the truth and hold this corrupt, dangerous company accountable.

“I find it extremely difficult to believe that such an incident occurred in two separate locations,” said Ron Lake, President of Teamsters Local 701. “This company endangered the lives of our members, and it looks deliberate. We must uncover the truth about what occurred and hold those responsible accountable for their reckless actions.”

Airgas, a subsidiary of the French multinational Air Liquide, reported a record $3.8 billion in net profits last year. The Teamsters represent hundreds of Airgas workers across the country. Teamsters represented by Local 507 in Cleveland and Local 701 in New Jersey have been on strike since June. Picket lines have extended to other Airgas locations across the country.

“We have small tank leaks from time to time, but nothing like what occurred last week,” said Travis Cox, a filler at Airgas and Local 701 member who was on the strike line during the incident. “It is almost impossible that two seals popped at different locations like this. The only other way this could have happened is if the vents on the tanks were manually vented deliberately.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via email