COLUMBUS, Ohio — Union workers at Sutphen Corp., the Dublin-based firetruck manufacturer that supplies most of Columbus’ fire engines, have gone on strike.
Approximately 85 Teamsters at the company, who have been working without a contract since October 12, 2024, announced the walkout on May 28, according to The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus City Council members are urging Sutphen to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith with the union.
On May 13, Teamsters Local 284 president Mark Vandak warned the Columbus City Council that stalled labor talks with Sutphen could lead to a strike and delay truck deliveries. The council initially rejected a $2.5 million ladder truck purchase but reversed course a week later, approving it with conditions.
“Our members took a beating from the pandemic and inflation. They are fighting for a good contract and to protect the company from the consequences of using taxpayer dollars for union busting,” Vandak stated in a Teamsters press release. “At a time when over 70 percent of Americans support unions, we know that elected officials and firefighters support our members. It’s time for Sutphen to support the workers who make them profitable as well and to offer up a contract that rewards them for the important nature of their work.”
The approved ordinance lets the city cancel or penalize the deal if Sutphen delays delivery and urges staff to make using nonunion workers a contract breach.
In a prepared announcement about the strike, Vandak told the Dispatch:
“Sutphen Corporation has a legal obligation to negotiate in good faith over a new contract. When the union demanded that the company return to the bargaining table in May, they arrogantly claimed they were too busy and refused to meet until June 23. The workforce, firefighters and residents deserve better from a company that is supposed to serve our community and relies on taxpayers for its profits.”
