LOCAL
Glaziers’ strike slows construction in Seattle, Everett, elsewhere
SEATTLE (July 12, 2016) — Some 700 glaziers are on strike against the 13 contractors that comprise the Western Washington Glass Contractors Multi-Employer Group. The collective bargaining agreement for International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 5’s Glaziers Local 188 expired June 30 after members rejected the employers’ final offer over over wages, sick leave and work hours.
KOMO News reports that construction in downtown Seattle has slowed considerably. Currently, there are 65 new major buildings under construction and a majority are feeling the effect of the strike. Projects in Bellevue and Everett have also been slowed.
“At least 90 percent of construction in downtown (Seattle) are impacted,” said Molly Barry, Senior Project Manager for Turner Construction. “But we know both sides are working through the process, and are optimistic they will come to a resolution and make every party happy.”
Both parties have been in bargaining since May 2016, meeting seven times, including a session with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on June 29.
A new date to restart negotiations has not been set, but the union is hoping to get back to the bargaining table by mid-week.
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