Spokane, WA, August 16, 2025
News Summary
A labor strike by International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is causing significant disruptions to construction projects across the Spokane region. As members picket outside Shamrock Paving Company, essential asphalt supplies are delayed, halting critical street maintenance and jeopardizing upcoming projects planned for 2025. The Washington State Department of Transportation and other local authorities are monitoring impacts, with potential for further delays if the strike continues. Local sentiments are mixed, balancing concerns over worker rights with the repercussions for construction and traffic.
Spokane, WA – A labor strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is currently disrupting numerous construction projects throughout the Spokane region. Members of the union have taken to picketing outside Shamrock Paving Company in Airway Heights, causing significant delays in asphalt availability essential for various ongoing and planned construction projects.
The strike is already having an immediate impact on existing projects. Specifically, grind and overlay street maintenance on North Foothills Drive, situated between Hamilton Street and Hogan Street, is on hold. Moreover, four construction projects scheduled for the 2025 season are now at risk of being postponed to 2026. These significant projects include Boone Avenue between Monroe Street and Washington Street, Napa Street between Trent Avenue and Mission Avenue, Cozza Drive between Standard Street and Nevada Street, and Qualchan Drive between Cheney-Spokane Road and U.S. Highway 195.
In addition to these projects, numerous other initiatives have also faced disruptions due to asphalt vendor issues. Construction on Maple and Ash Streets (between Fifth and Bridge), Lincoln Street (between Summit Parkway and Sinto Avenue), and Maxwell Avenue (between Maple and Ash and Pettit Drive) is currently stalled. A contracted grind and overlay project, which includes Sprague Avenue, Alki Avenue, and Broadway Avenue between Freya Street and Havana Street, has also been paused, further compounding the situation. Additionally, a vital water main project in Northwest Spokane, located near the intersection of Francis and Assembly, is currently on hold due to the strike.
The precise reasons for the strike and the negotiations between contractors and union workers remain unclear, raising concerns about the future of these projects. Kirstin Davis, the communications manager for Spokane Public Works, expressed apprehension that even a swift resolution of the strike might not alleviate the backlog of asphalt demands. This backlog could lead to competition between private businesses and the city for asphalt supplies, further complicating the recovery process for delayed projects.
The strike’s impact extends beyond local projects. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has confirmed that it has halted three state projects as a direct consequence of the labor dispute. These include the North Spokane Corridor (Spokane River Crossing Project), paving projects on U.S. Highway 195 near Pullman, and paving projects on U.S. Highway 395 from Hafer Road to Chewelah. Spokane County authorities have indicated that if the strike persists beyond two weeks, additional delays could occur for construction on Country Homes Boulevard, Wall Street, and North Hatch Road.
The effects of the strike are also being monitored by the Idaho Transportation Department, which is assessing potential ramifications for anticipated projects in North Idaho. These include the I-90 expansion project and the SH-53 Pleasant View Interchange, although the full scope and duration of the impact from the strike remain indeterminate as contractor schedules are closely observed.
Mixed feelings regarding the strike’s implications are prevalent among local residents. While some recognize the necessity of labor actions to advocate for worker rights, there is concern about the adverse effects on traffic and ongoing construction in the area.
As the situation evolves, the Spokane community remains vigilant about the developments of this strike and its broader implications on construction projects throughout the region.
FAQ
- What is causing the construction project delays in Spokane?
- A labor strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 is disrupting asphalt availability, halting numerous construction projects.
- Which construction projects are affected by the strike?
- Projects on hold include street maintenance on North Foothills Drive and four other major projects planned for 2025. Several additional projects are also suspended due to asphalt supply issues.
- How long is the strike expected to last?
- The duration of the strike is currently unknown, and its impact on construction schedules is being assessed by local and state transportation departments.
- What was the response from Spokane Public Works regarding the strike?
- Spokane Public Works expressed concerns about the backlog of private business projects competing for asphalt, which could hinder recovery even if the strike ends quickly.
Key Features of the Strike Impact
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Union Involved | International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 |
| Location of Picketing | Shamrock Paving Company, Airway Heights |
| Total Affected Projects | Numerous projects including grind and overlay street maintenance and state projects |
| Delay Impact | Potential delays for projects planned for 2025 and ongoing projects |
| Potential Further Delays | Additional projects may experience delays if the strike extends beyond two weeks |
| Monitoring by Other Departments | Idaho Transportation Department monitoring for potential impacts |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 Initiates Strike
Additional Resources
- Spokesman: Labor Strike Continues to Halt Construction
- Wikipedia: Labor Strike
- KHQ: Spokane and Idaho Road Projects Halted
- Google Search: Spokane construction delays labor strike
- KREM: Local Union 302 Strike Halts Projects
- Google Scholar: Construction Labor Strikes
- Tri-City Herald: Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- KXLY: Spokane Construction Projects Halt
- Google News: Spokane Labor Strike
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
