August 14, 2025

Heavy Equipment Operators Strike in Tri-Cities and Spokane

News Summary

Heavy equipment operators in the Tri-Cities and Spokane regions have launched a strike, halting several significant construction projects. Organized by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, the strike aims to secure fair wages for its members. Key projects, including the widening of Highway 240 and the Columbia Center Boulevard project, are currently stalled. The strike not only disrupts local infrastructure development but also highlights the critical role of operators in the construction industry. The ongoing situation remains uncertain as negotiations are yet to take place.

Tri-Cities, WA – Heavy equipment operators in the Tri-Cities and Spokane regions have initiated a strike that began on Tuesday, August 13, 2025, effectively halting several major construction projects. The strike, organized by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302, directly affects skilled workers who operate vital machinery such as excavators, cranes, and bulldozers.

The union’s decision to strike was aimed at securing fair wages for its members, as indicated by statements made by union members on social media. The impact of the strike extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the Tri-Cities, significantly affecting construction efforts in Spokane as well.

In the Tri-Cities area, several key projects are currently stalled. Notable work that has come to a standstill includes the much-anticipated widening of Highway 240, which is designed to support the growing traffic demands, especially from commuters heading to the nearby Hanford site. Additionally, the Columbia Center Boulevard project in Kennewick, which aims to enhance the road infrastructure surrounding a major shopping mall, is also impacted.

Picketing activities have taken place at various construction sites across the Tri-Cities throughout the week. The workers at the Horn Rapids Landfill in Richland, associated with Apollo Inc., prominently displayed “On Strike” signs to inform community residents about their work stoppage. At the landfill, construction of a gas collection and control system has been halted due to the ongoing strike.

Further complications arose when officials from the city of Richland announced that work had ceased on two important roundabouts located at Dallas Road and Badger South. The contractor responsible for these roundabouts, Goodman & Mehlenbacher Inc. (GAME Inc.), has also confirmed that their ongoing work at the intersections of Ava Way and Trowbridge is currently on hold.

Despite some construction sites remaining operational, the absence of heavy equipment operators means that regular traffic is still able to flow smoothly at the affected intersections. Notably, the roundabout at Dallas Road is privately funded by the developer of the adjacent Badger South project, raising questions about the longer-term implications for privately funded projects in the region.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has verified that work on the North Spokane Corridor project has also been halted due to the labor strike initiated by IUOE Local 302. As construction continues to face disruptions, the local economy and infrastructure development may experience significant delays.

As of now, union leadership has not been available for further comments regarding the strike, and no additional updates have been posted by the union about the ongoing situation. The outcome of this labor action remains uncertain, but the immediate effects on construction timelines and local projects are already being felt across the Tri-Cities and Spokane areas.

This strike not only highlights the challenges faced by workers seeking fair compensation but also reflects the vital role that heavy equipment operators have in the region’s development and infrastructure maintenance. As negotiations between union representatives and employers unfold, the construction industry will be closely watching the situation to gauge the potential for recovery and progress moving forward.

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