The strike by Local 174 representing the concrete truck drivers is over. The strike that held up the completion of dozens of projects in the Greater Seattle area last spring actually began more than a year ago in December of 2021. The drivers however did not walk out or picket until last April when it became clear they were not going get an agreement with the local concrete companies. Those differences have now been worked out. That work stoppage resulted in delays on the projects but then the drivers voluntarily came back, even though the strike was technically still on, since no agreement was in place. According to a source close to the agreement the drivers will get a raise of $12.03 an hour over four years with 2.50 the first year, 2.00 the second, 2.00 the third and 2.25 the final year. Increases to pension benefits will happen to in annual increments of .50, .25, .25 and. 40.

The new agreements cover more than 225 concrete workers at Cadman, CalPortland, Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel, and Stoneway Concrete and will last through 2025.

The Agreement addresses most of the main priorities of the membership, including medical coverage for active employees, pension increases, and work rules that will solve workplace issues. The one piece missing from the final Agreement was an improved retirement medical plan that would have helped retired members afford medical insurance until they reached Medicare eligibility. However, the Teamsters  decide to back off from that demand. The final Agreement  was ratified by 77%.

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,600 working men and women in Seattle and the surrounding areas. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.