(WASHINGTON) – Members of Teamsters Local 701 have filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey Supreme Court alleging that Airgas deliberately or negligently released hazardous chemical agents on striking workers during peaceful pickets in Oakland, N.J., and Peoria, Ill. The lawsuit accuses Airgas of battery, negligence, intentional tort, and strict liability for abnormally dangerous activities, seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future incidents.
“Our members were exercising their lawful right to picket when Airgas released toxic chemicals on them,” said Ron Lake, President of Local 701. “This was not an accident. The fact that this took place at two separate facilities within a two-day period suggests to me that it was an intentional attack meant to intimidate and harm. Airgas crossed the line of moral decency, and our members will hold them accountable.”
On July 8 in Oakland and July 10 in Peoria, Teamsters were engulfed in dense white plumes of unidentified hazardous gas released from the company’s facilities. The gas made direct contact with workers’ skin, was inhaled, and ingested. Several workers sought medical care for chemical exposure.
Airgas has a long history of safety, environmental, and labor law violations, with over $8 million in legal penalties from OSHA, the EPA, the NLRB, and others. In 2016, a U.S. District Court in Florida ordered Airgas to pay $7 million for hazardous waste violations.
“Airgas is in the business of handling dangerous materials and knows exactly how harmful these chemicals can be,” said Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large. “To weaponize that against workers is beyond reckless and inhumane. This case is about more than a labor dispute. It’s about stopping a corporation from physically assaulting people for standing up for their rights.”
Teamsters at Airgas have been on strike since June over unfair labor practices. Primary picket lines in Hawaii, New Jersey, and Ohio have been extended to more than 15 facilities across 11 states. The Teamsters continue to demand that Airgas negotiate fair contracts in good faith.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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