BETHLEHEM, Pa. — More than 180 striking workers are likely to remain at the picket lines for the foreseeable future after negotiations between their union and a division of Air Products broke down, according to a labor official.
Dennis Hower, president of Teamsters Local 773, said Thursday afternoon that while his members and management at Gardner Cryogenics have resolved most matters, the two sides remain far apart on the matter of health care benefits.
Members are being asked to contribute up to $10,000 for their health care benefits, he said. Company officials, he said, have pointed out that its executives are receiving the same package.
"We don't care who's also getting the health care. We want something affordable," Hower said.
"We don't care who's also getting the health care. We want something affordable."Dennis Hower, president of Teamsters Local 773
Air Products did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. The Fortune 500 company, based out of Upper Macungie Township, did not respond to a request for comment Monday when the strike began.
The union represents workers performing production, maintenance and shipping duties at Gardner Cryogenics. The business makes specialized tankers used to transport liquid helium and liquid hydrogen. Its website boasts that it is the world's leading supplier of large liquid helium storage vessels.
The union had been an independent organization but joined the Teamsters in March, the National Labor Relations Board website shows. Air Products and the Teamsters held six negotiations before Saturday but were unable to reach an agreement on a contract, Hower said.
Gardner Cryogenics owns five facilities, including locations in Alburtis and Emmaus, and two in Bethlehem, according to its website.
