Strike Continues, But Some Work Resumes With Side Deals
Though many Western Washington construction sites still sit idle, as many as 30 contractors have agreed to the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302’s Master Labor Agreement of Western Washington. Union members employed at those locations are in the process of returning to work.
“These contractors recognize that this is a fair and reasonable contract for the work that our members do,” International Vice President and business manager Daren Konopaski said in a statement on the Local 302 website.
Discussions are still underway with other contractors, as well as with the Associated General Contractors association.
In the statement, Konopaski disputed rumors that the new MLAWW lacked viability. He also confirmed that the strike fund was healthy.
The AGC website confirmed that negotiations are still underway.
A full list of contractors that have agreed to the new MLAWW was not available at press time. The strike does not apply to those working for Skanska, KLB Construction and Cadman Materials.
It also does not affect those working under the West Coast Drill Shaft Agreement, the Refinery Building Trades Agreement and private jobs for Ralph’s Concrete Pumping, Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping and Conco.
