Carpenters reach tentative deal to end strike

SEATTLE (Oct. 6, 2021) — Members of the Northwest Carpenters Union are being told to return to work today after the union reached a tentative agreement to end its nearly three-week strike.

The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters — an independent union that is not affiliated with the AFL-CIO or the Washington State Labor Council — has been on strike since Sept. 16 against Puget Sound-area employers. Its members previously rejected multiple contract proposals from the Associated General Contractors, citing insufficient wage increases and other concerns.

On Tuesday night, the union announced:

The bargaining committee and AGC of Washington have reached a tentative agreement after two full days of negotiations. More information will be sent as soon as possible. The tentative agreement and additional details on voting will be sent out tomorrow. In good faith bargaining, picketing will be suspended as we go through the voting process. Updates will continue to be posted to our website and shared out through social media, texts, and emails.

The union said a few highlights of the tentative agreement are:

●  Total package over three years: $10.02 (15.43% increase)
●  Retro pay (wages only) from June 1, 2021 through contract ratification date.
●  Expanded Seattle parking zone to include First Hill and increase from $1.00 to $1.50
●  New Bellevue Zone effective June 1, 2022 at $1.50

Throughout the strike, union and community supporters have rallied around the Carpenters, honoring and joining their picket lines. Last week, hundreds of workers joined a Solidarity Rally at Seattle’s Lake Union Fountain Park to show their support for the striking Carpenters. WSLC Secretary Treasurer April Sims was among the union leaders who delivered messages of solidarity that day.

In an email announcing the tentative agreement, the union said:

“For our union partners, we appreciate the support and solidarity during our efforts. Washington has a special labor community and we are stronger when we fight together.”