Union agreement officially ends Chicago strike

July 22, 2010

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 ratified an agreement tentatively struck Monday, effectively ending a three-week strike that put hundreds of construction projects on hold in the Chicago area.

“It is now an official agreement, and the strike is officially over,” Ed Maher, spokesman for Local 150, told the Chicago Tribune. “The benefits came through the hard work of the people that came before us, and (the workers) made the tough decision to protect those benefits not just for themselves but for future generations.”

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 ratified an agreement tentatively struck Monday, effectively ending a three-week strike that put hundreds of construction projects on hold in the Chicago area.

“It is now an official agreement, and the strike is officially over,” Ed Maher, spokesman for Local 150, told the Chicago Tribune. “The benefits came through the hard work of the people that came before us, and (the workers) made the tough decision to protect those benefits not just for themselves but for future generations.”

While most projects will resume construction, completion will still be delayed. City and state officials are working to get projects, including the Eisenhower Expressway resurfacing, back on schedule.

The unions initially asked for a 15.9% increase over the next three years and subsequently settled with the Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association for a 9.75% increase in wages and benefits over the next three years.

The agreement was already approved by the Chicago Laborers’ District Council on Monday.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.

Revolutionizing Concrete Protection - A Sustainable Solution for Lasting Durability

The concrete at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center is subject to several potential sources of damage including livestock biowaste, food/beverage waste, and freeze/thaw...

The Future of Concrete Preservation

PoreShield is a cost-effective, nontoxic alternative to traditional concrete sealers. It works differently, absorbing deep into the concrete pores to block damage from salt ions...