News Summary
A labor strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is causing disruptions to construction projects in Spokane. Picketing at Shamrock Paving Company has halted asphalt availability, impacting several key infrastructure projects in the area. The strike could delay major work initially planned for 2025 until 2026, affecting both city and state projects. Local community reactions are mixed as residents await news of potential resolutions and the long-term implications for Spokane’s infrastructure development.
Spokane, WA – A labor strike initiated by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is currently disrupting several construction projects across the Spokane region. The strike has resulted in active picketing outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, though specific details about the strike have not been disclosed by union members.
This strike is significantly affecting the availability of asphalt, crucial for numerous construction activities in the area. As a result, several projects have been put on hold or are facing potential delays. Notably, grind and overlay street maintenance work on North Foothills Drive between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street has halted due to the unavailability of materials.
According to preliminary assessments, four major construction projects, originally scheduled for the 2025 season, may now be postponed until 2026. These projects include:
- Boone Avenue between Monroe Street and Washington Street
- Napa Street between Trent Avenue and Mission Avenue
- Cozza Drive between Standard Street and Nevada Street
- Qualchan Drive between Cheney-Spokane Road and U.S. Highway 195
Additionally, various disrupted projects due to asphalt vendor issues encompass:
- Maple and Ash Streets between Fifth and Bridge
- Lincoln Street between Summit Parkway and Sinto Avenue
- Maxwell Avenue between Maple and Ash and Pettit Drive
A contracted grind and overlay project covering Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue between Freya Street and Havana Street has also been paused. Moreover, a water main project in Northwest Spokane near Francis and Assembly is on hold due to the ongoing labor action.
The specific reasons behind the strike and the current status of negotiations between the contractors and union workers remain unclear. Concerns have been raised regarding possible delays for additional projects. Kirstin Davis, the communications manager for Spokane Public Works, indicated that even if the labor dispute resolves quickly, there could be significant competition for asphalt resources from private businesses, creating a backlog for city projects.
The impact of the strike is not confined to the City of Spokane alone. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has confirmed that three state projects have been halted due to the strike. These include:
- North Spokane Corridor (Spokane River Crossing Project)
- Paving projects on U.S. Highway 195 near Pullman
- Paving projects on U.S. Highway 395 from Hafer Road to Chewelah
Further complications may arise for Spokane County as there are anticipations that if the strike persists beyond two weeks, construction on Country Homes Blvd., Wall Street, and North Hatch Road may also face unforeseen delays. The Idaho Transportation Department is currently evaluating potential effects on construction projects in North Idaho, particularly the I-90 expansion project and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. They noted that the full scope and duration of impacts remain uncertain as they continue to monitor contractor schedules.
Local community members have expressed mixed feelings regarding the strike, particularly concerning its implications for traffic and ongoing construction. As the labor dispute continues, the extent of its impact on the Spokane region’s infrastructure development remains to be seen.
Updates on the situation will be closely monitored, as residents and officials await news on potential resolution efforts for the strike and its ripple effects on current and future construction projects in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Heavy Equipment Operators Initiate Strike in Tri-Cities
Additional Resources
- Spokesman: Labor Strike Continues to Halt Construction
- Wikipedia: Labor Strike
- KHQ: Spokane and Idaho Road Projects Halted
- Google Search: Spokane construction delays labor strike
- KREM: Local Union 302 Strike Halts Projects
- Google Scholar: Construction Labor Strikes
- Tri-City Herald: Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- KXLY: Spokane Construction Projects Halt
- Google News: Spokane Labor Strike
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