Union Workers Strike at Columbus Firetruck Manufacturer Sutphen Corp
Columbus, Ohio – The union workers strike at Columbus firetruck manufacturer Sutphen Corp is making headlines as more than 85 employees represented by Teamsters Local 284 walk off the job, citing the company’s refusal to negotiate a new labor contract.
The strike, officially announced on May 28, 2025, follows months of stalled negotiations and marks a significant disruption in the operations of Sutphen Corp, which supplies the majority of Columbus’ firefighting vehicles.
City officials, including the Columbus City Council, have expressed serious concerns. In mid-May, Council debated whether to move forward with a $2.5 million ladder truck purchase from Sutphen. Ultimately, the council passed the contract — but only with provisions that protect the city in the event of strike-related delays.
Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, chair of the Public Safety Committee, stated that the approved contract includes a liquidated damages clause and conditions to cancel the order if Sutphen fails to deliver due to the strike. Additionally, any use of nonunion replacement workers (scabs) could be considered a breach of contract.
A spokesperson from the mayor’s office confirmed that the city is currently under a $5.5 million contract for five pumper trucks ordered last year. The ladder truck deal is still in negotiation.
The union claims Sutphen has refused to meet until June 23, despite workers going without a contract since October 12, 2024. According to union leadership, workers haven’t received a wage increase since October 2023, and the company has had seven unfair labor practice charges filed against it since last August.
Mark Vandak, president of Teamsters Local 284, accused the company of arrogance:
“Sutphen arrogantly claimed they were too busy to meet. This is unacceptable behavior from a company that profits off taxpayer-funded contracts.”
In April 2025, the company reached a settlement with the National Labor Relations Board, agreeing to stop anti-union practices. Yet tensions remain high.
Union steward Jerry Becker commented:
“My co-workers and I are fed up with Sutphen’s refusal to bargain in good faith. No one is above the law.”
Sutphen responded in a written statement saying they are committed to “good faith negotiations” and have multiple future meeting dates scheduled.
With Columbus firefighters raising concerns about aging equipment and supply delays, the union workers strike at Columbus firetruck manufacturer Sutphen Corp may have far-reaching effects on both public safety and labor policy in Ohio.
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