News Summary
A labor strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is currently impacting construction projects across Spokane. With workers picketing at Shamrock Paving Company, the availability of asphalt has been severely affected, causing multiple projects to halt or face delays. Notably, several key projects scheduled for 2025 may be postponed, and the strike’s ripple effects are being felt beyond local initiatives, impacting state highway projects as well. Community reactions are varied, as residents navigate frustrations over construction delays while some empathize with the laborers’ concerns.
Spokane – A labor strike led by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is currently disrupting numerous construction projects across the Spokane region. The union members are seen picketing outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, though they have not disclosed specific reasons for the strike. As a result, the availability of asphalt, crucial for many construction undertakings, has been significantly impacted.
Several projects have come to a halt due to the unavailability of asphalt, including a grind and overlay street maintenance project on North Foothills Drive between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street. Additionally, four significant construction initiatives scheduled for the 2025 season may face postponements into 2026. These 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
Further lending to the disruption, other ongoing projects affected by asphalt vendor shortages include:
- 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 involving Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue between Freya Street and Havana Street has also been paused. In addition, a water main project in Northwest Spokane, located near Francis and Assembly, is on hold due to this labor strike.
The precise issues leading to the strike and the current status of negotiations between the employers and union workers remain unclear. Concerns are mounting regarding future asphalt availability. Communications managers from Spokane Public Works have expressed that even if negotiations resolve swiftly, a backlog from private sector projects may pose challenges for the city in securing asphalt resources.
The influence of the strike extends beyond local projects; the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has reported that three state projects have been halted: the North Spokane Corridor (Spokane River Crossing Project), paving projects on U.S. Highway 195 near Pullman, and paving projects on U.S. Highway 395 from Hafer Road to Chewelah. If the strike persists beyond two weeks, Spokane County anticipates further delays concerning construction on Country Homes Boulevard, Wall Street, and North Hatch Road.
The Idaho Transportation Department is also keeping a close watch on the situation to evaluate potential impacts on transportation projects in North Idaho. This includes ongoing initiatives such as the I-90 expansion project and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange. As of now, the exact scope and duration of the impact on these projects remain uncertain, with officials continuously monitoring contractor schedules.
Community sentiment regarding the strike’s impact has been mixed. Although some residents understand the strikers’ position, others are experiencing frustrations related to traffic disruptions and the postponement of essential construction work. The situation continues to develop, with many hoping for a quick resolution that would mitigate the cascading effects on various projects in the Spokane region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Construction Disruption in Tri-Cities and Spokane Due to Strike
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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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
