4-week Eastern WA strike delaying $91M bridge, Hway 395 paving and more
As a strike against the Inland Northwest Association of General Contractors enters its fifth week, negotiations are continuing.
AGC confirmed the dispute is ongoing when asked about GAME Inc., a Kennewick contractor whose own building project was the target of picketers recently.
“At this time, our focus is on reaching a fair and competitive agreement at the bargaining table. While we cannot comment on specifics of the negotiation at this time, our priority continues to be resolving this strike quickly so employees can return to work and critical projects can move forward,” Shannen Talbot, marketing and communications director, told the Tri-City Herald.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 went on strike after members authorized an “economic standdown” on Aug. 12.
The workers maintain and use heavy machinery such as bulldozers and cranes and are found on most construction sites.
Not saying much
The union has not commented publicly on the issues that led members to walk off the job. It has not returned any calls to the number it gave to members to share when asked about the strike.
Members have picketed several construction sites around the Tri-Cities, with all declining to comment on orders from the union.
Picketers have chosen low-visibility spots. In August, for example, picketers marched behind the construction site for a Home2 Suites instead on Argent Road, where they would have been more visible to airport traffic.
On Labor Day, Local 302 posted a message of unity to social media accounts.
“Across North America, Operating Engineers are facing real challenges — from efforts to weaken unions to policies that undervalue skilled labor. But we’re not backing down,” it said.
Construction slowdowns
The work slowdowns and stoppages are beginning to affect major construction projects.
Pasco’s $40 million, voter-approved aquatics center is on track to open June 1, 2026, as planned, despite initial concerns the strike would delay the schedule.
The collection of pools, a lazy river and other amenities is being built in the Broadmoor area, where picketers have waved signs. However, the core work is proceeding and the project remains on track, said Matt Watkins, the district’s executive director.
In early September, contractors began pouring the concrete shell for one of the swimming pools, he said.
GAME Inc. has seen projects slow or stop after its workers began picketing.
The contractor itself is building new offices and warehouse space on South Ely Street, north of West 27th Avenue. Picketers were clusterd outside its gate the morning of Sept. 5, but were gone a short time later.
$91M bridge suspended
The Washington Department of Transportation reports four projects are stopped by the strike and three more are affected.
All seven are in the Spokane area and do not include any efforts in the Tri-Cities area.
Five of the WSDOT projects involve Highway 395.
The most significant is the $91 million Spokane River Crossing project, which will carry Highway 395 across the river.
The bridge project is expected to wrap up in December. Because of the strike, that may be delayed until spring, according to a WSDOT report released to the Tri-City Herald.
The contractor, Max J. Kuney Co., referred inquiries to Associated General Contractors.
Schedules delayed
WSDOT said three other projects were suspended as of Aug. 27 by the strike:
- (Stevens County) Highway 395 repaving from Hafer to Chewelah: October completion date could be delayed until spring..
- (Stevens County) Highway 395: Repaving from Chewelah to Immal. Fall 2025 completion could be at risk for delay until spring.
- (Whitman County) Highway 195 paving between Highway 27 and Babbit Road in Whitman County: Fall 2025 completion could be at risk for delay until spring.
- (Spokane County) WSDOT reports the strike has also affected work on Highway 395 between Sprague Avenue and the Spokane River, repaving Highway 395 between Hatch and Hamilton, and will delay a railroad bridge project to Geiger Road at Interstate 90.
In the Tri-Cities, construction sites can be quiet for reasons other than the strike.
In Kennewick, Chervenell Construction is building a $10 million business hub for its client, HAPO Credit Union, at 9757 W. Clearwater Ave.
There was no activity at the site on a recent weekday, but a spokeswoman said it was unrelated to the strike.
This story was originally published September 10, 2025 at 8:00 AM.