“We joined Local 251 to get a fair shake. We had drivers who had not gotten a raise in eight years and the company was flat out discriminating against union supporters.

“When the company refused to make a fair offer, we got together and unanimously voted to authorize a strike. When the company refused to come back to the negotiating table, we filed unfair labor practice charges.

“The company saw we were serious. At the very next meeting, they put a new offer on the table, including 3 percent raises for every driver plus annual bonuses. We won what we were after. Being united was the key.”

Carlos Salgado, Airgas, Shop Steward