Strike could stall construction

BELLEVUE, Wash. – A strike against four concrete and gravel companies could stall highway, transit, sewage, apartment, condominium and commercial construction projects in the Seattle area, officials said.

Following two months of contract talks, members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 rejected a final offer and went on strike Wednesday against Cadman Inc. of Redmond, Stoneway Concrete of Renton and Glacier Northwest and Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel Co. of Seattle.

Officials from Cadman and Stoneway did not return calls from the King County Journal on Wednesday, and the suburban newspaper was unable to reach Glacier or Salmon Bay.

The union represents about 100 operating engineers and assistants, and Teamsters union drivers have agreed not to cross picket lines at sites where the strikers are employed, said Allan B. Darr, vice president and business manager of Local 302.

Work has been suspended on access ramps for buses to the Eastgate Park and Ride lot on Interstate 90 in Bellevue, and officials are trying to determine how a prolonged strike could affect millions of dollars in other highway projects, said William S. Vlcek, regional administrator for the state Transportation Department.

Other projects that could be affected include the Brightwater sewage plant near Woodinville, the Sound Transit light rail line in south Seattle and numerous private developments.