News Summary
Construction projects in Washington’s Tri-Cities and Spokane are on hold due to a strike by heavy equipment operators. The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302 initiated the strike to demand better wages and working conditions. Key infrastructure projects such as the Highway 240 widening and Columbia Center Boulevard upgrade have been impacted, along with ongoing work on the North Spokane Corridor. Despite picketing, the duration of the strike remains unclear as union leadership has not provided public updates.
Heavy Equipment Operators Strike in Tri-Cities and Spokane, Halting Major Construction Projects
Tri-Cities and Spokane, WA — August 13, 2025 — Construction activity across parts of Washington’s Tri-Cities area and Spokane has come to a halt following a strike by heavy equipment operators represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302. The strike, which began on Tuesday, has impacted several significant infrastructure projects in the region, with work currently suspended at multiple sites.
Union Strike Aimed at Securing Fair Wages
Members of Local 302 who operate excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery initiated the strike to advocate for better wages and working conditions. The union has communicated that their action is a response to unresolved contract negotiations, though official statements from union leadership have not been made public as of this report.
Construction Projects Affected in the Tri-Cities
Major construction projects in the Tri-Cities area have been slowed or halted due to the strike. Among these is the Highway 240 widening project, a key initiative designed to better accommodate increasing traffic volumes, especially for commuters traveling to and from the Hanford site. The project has been temporarily suspended, with no active heavy equipment operation on site.
Another significant impacted project is the Columbia Center Boulevard upgrade in Kennewick. This project aims to improve street infrastructure around the local shopping mall. Work at the site is currently paused, and no machinery operators are present at the site during the strike.
Picketing and Community Impact
During the strike, workers held picket lines at various project locations, including the Horn Rapids Landfill in Richland. At the landfill, employees displayed “On Strike” signs to inform local residents about the work stoppage. The landfill remains operational, but ongoing construction of a gas collection and control system has been delayed.
City and Contractor Responses
The City of Richland announced that work on two roundabouts at Dallas Road and Badger South has been halted due to the strike. The contractor responsible for these projects, Goodman & Mehlenbacher Inc. (GAME Inc.), is also affected, with work paused at intersections including Ava Way and Trowbridge. Despite the work stoppages, traffic flow at these intersections remains normal, as no heavy equipment is operating on-site.
The work on the Dallas Road roundabouts is privately funded by the developer of the Badger South subdivision, and the city has confirmed no progress has been made since the strike began.
Impacts in Spokane
Further north, work on the North Spokane Corridor project has also been temporarily halted. The Washington State Department of Transportation confirmed that the ongoing construction activities have ceased due to the strike of IUOE Local 302 members, affecting transportation improvements in Spokane.
Union Leadership and Future Outlook
As of now, union leadership has not provided public updates regarding the strike or negotiations. The absence of official statements leaves the duration and resolution of the strike uncertain.
Summary
Overall, the strike by heavy equipment operators in the Tri-Cities and Spokane has led to the suspension of key infrastructure projects, affecting both transportation and community development initiatives. With work halted at major sites and no clear timeline for resolution, local officials and residents are closely monitoring the situation.
This report was last updated on August 13, 2025, at 3:37 PM.
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