August 14, 2025

Heavy Equipment Operators Initiate Strike in Tri-Cities

News Summary

Heavy equipment operators represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 have begun a strike, impacting construction projects in Tri-Cities and Spokane. The strike focuses on securing fair wages, causing significant disruptions across multiple projects, including the widening of Highway 240 and the Columbia Center Boulevard project. As workers demonstrate on picket lines, the halt in operations raises concerns among local commuters about project timelines. The union has not commented yet, but the labor dispute highlights ongoing trends in the construction sector regarding wage pressures.

Tri-Cities, WA — Heavy equipment operators represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 began a strike on Tuesday, effectively halting major construction projects across the Tri-Cities and Spokane areas. The strike is primarily focused on securing fair wages for the workers who operate essential machinery, including excavators, cranes, and bulldozers.

As a result of the strike, several notable construction projects have come to a standstill. In the Tri-Cities, work on the widening of Highway 240, a critical pathway for increased traffic, especially for Hanford site commuters, has been interrupted. Additionally, the Columbia Center Boulevard project in Kennewick, which aims to upgrade streets around the local mall, has also stopped. In Richland, construction on two roundabouts at the intersections of Dallas Road and Badger South has ceased, with Goodman & Mehlenbacher Inc. (GAME Inc.), the project’s contractor, affected by the strike. Work on adjacent intersections, including Ava Way and Trowbridge, is also on hold.

The impact of the strike extends beyond the Tri-Cities, as the Washington State Department of Transportation has confirmed that the North Spokane Corridor project is similarly paused. While some construction activities are still ongoing, there are currently no heavy equipment operators on site, allowing regular traffic flow at the affected intersections.

On the picket lines, union members began their demonstrations on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday at various job sites in the Tri-Cities. Workers at the Horn Rapids Landfill in Richland visibly displayed “On Strike” signs for passing residents, as a gas collection and control system is still under construction at that location. These actions signify the workers’ determination to advocate for improved wage conditions.

Despite the significant disruption caused by the strike, some construction work is still taking place, albeit without the involvement of heavy machinery operators. This situation has prompted concerns among local commuters and residents regarding the timeline for project completion and future developments in the area.

The union’s leadership has not provided any public comments or updates regarding the strike as of yet. The ongoing actions reflect the frustrations and challenges faced by the labor force within this sector, as they seek fair compensation for their work. Analysis shows a growing trend of labor actions in various industries, calling attention to the need for addressing wage concerns and the value of skilled labor in construction.

The strike initiated by Local 302 demonstrates the critical role that heavy equipment operators play in construction activities across the region. The effects of this labor dispute, particularly in vital infrastructure projects such as the widening of major highways, are beginning to unfold, prompting local authorities and project managers to reassess timelines and plans moving forward.

As this situation evolves, residents and commuters in the Tri-Cities and Spokane will need to stay informed about the developments concerning the strike and its implications for ongoing and future construction efforts in the area.

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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER

NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.

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