A union member pickets outside new Port Townsend elementary school in Jefferson County, Washington. Photo credit: Jefferson CountyA strike by Washington construction workers, including Seattle crane operators, that lasted for more than two weeks has ended, according to the union.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 reported on its website September 6 that a tentative agreement was reached with the Washington chapter of Associated General Contractors on wages, hours and working conditions and that union members were to return to work September 7.
The union went on strike August 21, bringing large construction projects to a halt or slowdown. The striking workers include crane operators who work in Seattle, as well as workers in paving, concrete pumping, dirt work, hoisting and material handling.
AGC of Washington reported on its website September 5 that it had offered the largest package increase in its history.
The agreement follows the union’s previous rejection of agreements that would raise pay packages by 15 percent spread over three years.
Under the Master Labor Agreement with AGC that expired May 31, wages range from $37.70 to $43.13 an hour.
Meanwhile, the union had been negotiating with independent contractors and some of its striking members had already returned to work. It planned to post the final agreement with AGC on its website later.
