Airgas Workers Win Reinstatement for 24 Ferndale Employees

Airgas workers represented by Teamsters Local 283 in Ferndale will return to work with full back pay and benefits after winning an arbitration case against the company. The ruling covers 24 drivers, pump fillers and loaders who began striking on May 15, 2025.

Sean M. O’Brien on the ruling

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said the decision sends a message about workplace rights. "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," he said in a Teamsters news release on Thursday.

He added: "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."

Ferndale strike dispute

The union said the strike started because Airgas repeatedly failed to offer a fair contract. It also alleged unlawful threats, lockouts, discharge and retaliation against workers for exercising their legal rights, along with a failure to provide notice or an opportunity to bargain.

The arbitration outcome gives the 24 workers reinstatement with full back pay and benefits after almost a full year away from the job. Airgas is a subsidiary of French multinational Air Liquide, and the ruling ends the work stoppage with a return-to-work order for the Ferndale employees.