After Ohio, the Hawaii Teamsters have joined the nationwide Airgas strike, escalating the ongoing dispute over unfair labor practices and demands for fair contracts.
The nationwide strike against Airgas, a prominent supplier of industrial, medical gases like oxygen, and specialty gases, has intensified with the recent decision by Teamsters in Honolulu, Hawaii, to join the picket lines. This significant development, announced by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters on July 29, 2025, marks a critical escalation in the ongoing labor dispute, as over 40 drivers and fillers in Hawaii cease work to protest the company's alleged unfair labor practices and refusal to negotiate in good faith.
The Hawaii Teamsters' action adds a new dimension to a strike that has been gaining momentum across the United States. Prior to Hawaii's entry, Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland, Ohio, and Local 701 in New Jersey had already initiated strikes in June. The dispute further broadened on Tuesday, July 28, 2025, when the Teamsters extended their picket lines to an additional 15 facilities across 11 states.
At the heart of the conflict are allegations of Airgas's continued unfair labor practices (ULPs) and a perceived unwillingness to bargain for fair contracts that meet industry standards. Teamsters representatives and striking workers emphasize the disparity between their long hours and the company's significant profits, particularly given that Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a French multinational that reported over $3.8 billion in profits last year.
Kevin K. Holu, President of Teamsters Local 996, voiced the frustration of the Hawaiian workers, stating, "The disrespect our members have seen at the bargaining table is completely unacceptable. This greedy company is going to pay the price. We are proud to join hundreds of Teamsters across the country who are taking on Airgas and demanding what they have earned."
The strike's backdrop includes a history of stalled negotiations and multiple ULPs filed against Airgas. The situation has taken a disturbing turn with reports of unidentified chemical agents being released on striking Teamsters in Peoria, Illinois, and Oakland, New Jersey. This alarming development has been perceived by the Teamsters as a potentially deliberate attempt to intimidate and harm workers exercising their legal rights, further inflaming an already tense situation.
As the strike expands to include the Hawaiian market, the pressure on Airgas and its parent company, Air Liquide, is expected to mount significantly. The Teamsters' unified front across multiple states signals their determination to secure contracts that ensure fair compensation, decent benefits, and an end to what they describe as a pattern of anti-labor practices.
