Labor Strike Disrupts Construction Projects in Spokane

News Summary

A labor strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 has halted numerous construction projects in Spokane, causing significant delays. Centered outside Shamrock Paving Company, union members are picketing but have not disclosed reasons for the strike. Vital asphalt supply is affected, impacting road maintenance and future construction timelines. Key projects across the region have been shelved, prompting concerns from local authorities about prolonged disruptions. The Washington State Department of Transportation also faces delays on state projects due to the strike, while the Idaho Transportation Department is monitoring potential impacts in North Idaho.

Spokane – A labor strike initiated by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 has halted numerous construction projects across the Spokane region. The strike is currently centered outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, with union members actively picketing. However, union representatives have not disclosed specific details regarding the reasons for the strike or the status of ongoing negotiations.

This strike is significantly affecting the availability of asphalt, a crucial material needed for various construction endeavors. Several critical projects are now on hold, including essential grind and overlay street maintenance on North Foothills Drive between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street. Furthermore, at least four projects originally scheduled for the 2025 construction season may face delays, potentially pushing their timelines to 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

In addition to these delays, various other projects have also been disrupted due to issues with asphalt vendors. This includes significant segments such as:

• 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

Moreover, a grind and overlay project contracted on Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue between Freya Street and Havana Street has been paused. The impact of the strike extends to a water main project located in Northwest Spokane near Francis and Assembly, where construction has been shelved due to the labor dispute.

Authorities lack clarity on the reasons behind the strike or the status of discussions taking place between contractors and union workers. The communications manager for Spokane Public Works has raised concerns, noting that even if the strike concludes swiftly, a backlog of private projects may create intense competition for asphalt supply among public municipal projects.

Regional Impact

The repercussions of this labor strike are not limited to local projects. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has confirmed that three state projects have been halted due to the strike:

• The 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

Spokane County officials have communicated concerns that if the strike persists beyond two weeks, additional construction projects, such as those on Country Homes Blvd., Wall Street, and North Hatch Road could face delays as well.

Potential Effects in Idaho

Meanwhile, the Idaho Transportation Department is currently examining how this labor strike may impact ongoing projects in North Idaho. Key projects under consideration include the I-90 expansion project and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. However, they have indicated that the full scope and duration of potential impacts remain undetermined as they continue to monitor contractor schedules.

Community Response

The local community in Spokane has expressed mixed feelings about the strike and its effects on traffic and ongoing construction projects. Many residents are concerned about the disruption, while others understand the complexities of labor negotiations and the potential impacts on city infrastructure development.

As the situation develops, residents and local contractors alike remain hopeful for a swift resolution to the strike to minimize further impacts on construction timelines and community infrastructure improvements.

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HERE Resources

Operating Engineers Local 302 Strike Halts Construction

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