Seattle-area concrete strike continues into third month

A concrete workers strike is in its third month, halting work at Seattle-area construction projects, idling hundreds of workers and threatening delays of several major transportation projects, reports The Seattle Times.

The strike began last year when a small group of 34 dump truck drivers went on strike due to failed contract negotiations with employers over wage increases and medical care benefits. That number quickly grew to 330 concrete mixer drivers and plant workers, represented by Teamsters Local 174. The strike impacts six concrete companies located in the county: Gary Merlino Construction Co., Stoneway Concrete, Cadman, CalPortland, Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel Co. and Lehigh Cement.

As a result of the strike, construction contractors have been laid off as projects have stopped or been forced to reduce operations without concrete. Layoffs are expected to continue as the strike drags on.

In a statement released by seven of the largest construction contractors in Kings County, including GLY, Sellen and Turner, the companies pleaded for both sides to reach an agreement: “Currently, thousands of tradespeople are sitting idle and unable to work due to this strike action. Additional work stoppages impact healthcare and life science facilities, commercial buildings, schools, low-income residential housing projects and more. All this is on top of a global pandemic, which has devastated the economy, our local businesses and the well-being of individuals and their families.”

Last week, the Teamsters and the negotiator representing the companies tried to mediate new contracts that make both sides happy. However, The Seattle Times reports that it ended early without a resolution.

"The companies are demanding that workers accept a wage, healthcare and retirement package that amounts to a decrease in compensation over three years after taking inflation into account,” according to a statement made by the union. “Even worse, the companies have repeatedly refused to contribute to a health care plan that will save workers thousands of dollars per year in retirement, even though Local 174's concrete industry members originally offered to cover any future cost increases.”

While the union is not happy with contract negotiations, the companies involved say they have presented the best package they have ever offered, reports The Seattle Times.

The union says no further negotiation sessions are planned and picket lines will remain active until a contract is reached. However, the companies negotiating new contracts have said they are committed to the FMCS process as the best way to reach an agreement.

“This is life-and-death serious to us,” says Rick Hicks, Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer. “Livelihoods are on the line for thousands of workers. This strike has so far cost two of our members their lives. Health insurance for hundreds of our members and their families will run out at the end of the month.”