Airgas Teamsters Win Reinstatement, Back Pay After Year-Long Lock Out

Source: Teamsters

Arbitrator Rules Workers Must Return to Work with Full Back Pay, Benefits

2026.06.12

(WASHINGTON) – Twenty-four drivers, pump fillers, and loaders represented by Teamsters Local 283 in Ferndale, Mich., have won their arbitration case against Airgas after the company illegally locked them out for nearly a year. An arbitrator ruled that the members must be reinstated with full back pay and benefits.

“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. “Their solidarity, determination, and resolve cannot be understated. 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 arbitration win comes amid a strike that Airgas Teamsters have been forced to undergo for over a year following multiple unfair labor practices (ULPs) committed by the company. These include 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.

Airgas, a subsidiary of French multinational Air Liquide, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases.





Read more: https://teamster.org/2026/06/airgas-teamsters-win-reinstatement-back-pay-after-year-long-lock-out/