Strike ends, ITD's North Idaho projects resume
A handful of people holding "Operating Engineers Local 302 on Strike" signs were gathered in front of the Thomas George building, still under construction, on Sherman Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.
HAILEY HILL/Press
The Idaho Transportation Department said Monday that the operator strike has ended.
The strike has been going on since mid-August and has affected work sites in Spokane County and North Idaho.
Local 302 union workers will be returning to work immediately under a tentative contract agreement, according to reporting from KREM2. That agreement is between the Association of General Contractors and Local 302.
ITD indicated at the start of the strike that impacted projects could include the Highway 53 and Pleasant View interchange, Interstate 90 and Highway 41 interchange, the I-90 expansion project and work on the I-90 Coeur d'Alene River bridges.
While this resolution is an important step forward, the work stoppage has caused delays that will affect original project milestones and completion dates, ITD reported in a press release.
The strike also paused three major construction projects across the state line, including the North Spokane Corridor, U.S. 195 at Babbit Road and Highway 27 near Pullman and Highway 395 at Hafer Road near Chewelah.
ITD was not involved in the labor negotiations.
ITD is working with contractors to reassess schedules, establish new priorities and determine what can realistically be accomplished before winter.
ITD will share details about revised project timelines when they are available.
Union members were expected to return to work Monday and today, according to KREM2 reporting.