FERNDALE – Union employees at Airgas represented by Teamsters Local 283 in Ferndale will return to work with a year of back pay after winning an arbitration case against the company.
The arbitration follows a year-long strike by 24 drivers, pump fillers and loaders employed by the industrial, medical and specialty gas provider that began May 15, 2025, due to the company’s “repeated failure to offer a fair contract,” according to the union.
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“These dedicated Teamsters endured hardship for almost a full year as Airgas tried to wear them down, but not once did they even think about crossing the picket line,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien in a news release on Thursday. “The arbitration victory sends a clear message that employers who violate workers’ rights will be held accountable and the Teamsters Union will never stop fighting to protect our members in every industry and every state.”
The union alleges that the company — a subsidiary of French multinational Air Liquide — made unlawful threats, lockouts, discharge, and retaliation against workers for exercising their legal rights, as well as failing to provide notice or an opportunity to bargain.
An arbitrator ruled in favor of the Teamsters, finding that the members must be reinstated with full back pay and benefits.
Local 4 has reached out to Airgas for comment on the case.