January 30, 2003

Local 142 in Gary, Indiana has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board charging that Praxair, an industrial gas supplier and distributor, threatened and intimidated Teamster tankhaul drivers as the company sought to wring concessions and subcontract jobs.

Praxair management told the 55 Teamsters that another company would be taking over the trucking operations on February 17, but they could reapply for their old jobs with the new company. However, their pay would be cut by $9 per hour if they went to work for that company.

“The drivers are very upset about the way this transpired,” said Carl Vonasch, a business agent with Local 142 which represents the workers. “Praxair is bound to honor wages, benefits and other provisions of the contract through May. What they are doing is not only in violation of the contract but the National Labor Relations Act.”

Since the drivers transport hazardous substances like liquid oxygen and hydrogen, they also have concerns about safety if a new carrier comes in.