As Strike Approaches Four Months, Unions Turn Up Pressure on Fire Truck Manufacturer

(DUBLIN, Ohio) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) are calling on local governments and fire divisions across the United States and Canada to boycott the Dublin, Ohio-based Sutphen Corporation for refusing to offer workers a fair contract. Production workers represented by Teamsters Local 284 have been on an unfair labor practice strike since May 28 due to the company’s refusal to bargain in good faith over a new contract for those who manufacture fire trucks and fire safety equipment.

“After it hired union busters to negotiate a new labor contract, Sutphen Corporation became a repeat offender of our nation’s labor laws,” said Mark Vandak, President of Local 284. “It is shocking that a successful family-owned business has let these dirty union busters drag its good name through the mud. Just last week, Region 9 of the National Labor Relations Board found merit in our ULP charges against Sutphen for bad faith bargaining — and we have no doubt that customers will see what the company is doing and support workers by honoring a boycott.”

In response to Sutphen’s repeated disrespect of workers, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and IAFF General President Ed Kelly have pledged their full support for the boycott. The City of Columbus, Ohio has cancelled its contract with Sutphen because of the ongoing strike and the Teamsters have contacted the company’s current customers encouraging them to do the same and cancel all existing orders. Teamsters Local 284 represents working people in Central Ohio and surrounding communities in various industries, including transportation, warehouse, aviation, and government service. For more information, visit teamsters284.unionactive.com.                     

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