Contract Vote Update:

Now that the ballots are out for the Third Tentative Agreement (TA) of the Western WA AGC Master Labor Agreement and you will soon be reviewing the offer and casting your vote I wanted to relay some thoughts and perspective on the offer.  First, I want to refer you to the compensation packages for both this TA and the new Master Labor Agreement of Western WA (MLAWW).  Both of these agreements reflect some of the most significant compensation increases we have had in as far back as I can remember.  In addition to our significant monetary increases, we also negotiated for the inclusion of some critical language changes relating to double-time after 12 hours of work and special shift premium. 

I realize that there is some confusion about the impact on the two rates and how that will affect the members working under these two agreements.  Simply put, public work will be prevailed at the higher of the two rates and private work will be paid at the contract rate that your contractor is signatory to.  The new Prevailing Wage law that we were successful in passing last year, provides: “For trades and occupations with more than one collective bargaining agreement in the county, the higher rate will prevail.” At this time, the new MLAWW includes a rate that is higher than the TA.   

With respect to the TA before you, I believe this TA reflects the highest financial offer the contractors are willing to make without further concessions on the language and retro pay.  I am proud of this organization and the membership for taking a stand!  The way we came together was phenomenal and, with the support of the other crafts, we were able to come back with a final counter offer that is worthy of your thoughtful consideration.  

Thank you for seriously considering this TA and casting your vote. 

In Solidarity,

Daren Konopaksi
International VP & Business Manager

Strike Fund Checks and Ballot Update:

The Strike Fund Checks and the Third Tentative Agreement Ballot for the Western WA AGC MLA were both mailed today.  Thank you again for your support and service during the labor dispute and please cast your vote.

In Solidarity,
Daren Konopaski
International VP & Business Manager

3rd Western Washington AGC Tentative Agreement
Contract Changes Summary

A Third tentative agreement was reached on Thursday, September 6, 2018, for the Western WA Master Labor Agreement.  The ballots will be mailed soon along with a cover letter, a summary of the proposed changes, and a breakdown of the new economic proposal.  The ballots must be received by the post office no later than September 27^th.  Ballots will be counted at the District 1 hall on September 28^th.

Agreement Summary Letter	Language Changes	Economics

Western WA MLA and Strike Update:

A 3rd Tentative Agreement was reached for the Western WA Master Labor Agreement, and members are to stand down on all picketing actions and return to regular work status effective tomorrow, September 7th.

The new, tentative agreement will be posted on our website soon.  

MLAWW Signatory Contractor Update:

As has been reported in prior posts, we have been busy signing, voting, and implementing the new Master Labor Agreement of Western WA (MLAWW).  Many more are still in process, but currently the following contractors are signatory to the MLAWW: 

AAA Construction, ABI, Advantage Dirt, American Bridge, Axis Crane, Barnhart, Bianchi, Cascade Tower and Rigging, Columbia Crane, Continental Dirt, CTI, Del Hur, Duncan Crane, Ed’s Bulldozing, Ford Crane, Garner, Harbor Excavation, Hot Mix, HT Seattle (Owner), Greenfield Construction, Image Crane, Imhoff Crane, Interwest Construction, Jensen Drilling, Jordan Excavating, JR Hayes, Maroni Construction, Mayfield Hoisting, McCann Construction, Millican Crane Service, Ness Crane, Nordland, Olin Excavating, Olson Brothers, Olympic Paving, Omega Morgan, Omega Rigger, Orion Marine, NW Tower, Pacific Civil & Infrastructure, Rainier Crane, Rev Drilling, Rhodes Crane, Rognlin’s, Seaburg Construction, Seattle Tower Crane, Sierra Pacific, Springhill, Strickland & Sons, and Western Crane.

For any contractors interested in this option please see the post from last Thursday.

In Solidarity,
Daren Konopaski
International VP and Business Manager

AGC Contract Negotiation Update

We met again today with the AGC with negligible forward progress.  We are going to continue moving forward with our new Master Labor Agreement of Western Washington for those contractors that want to put our members back to work.  For any contractors interested in this option please see the post from last Thursday.    

We will be posting our MLAWW contractor list tomorrow and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. 

MLAWW Labor Day Update:

In just the past two days we have signed over 30 contractors to the Master Labor Agreement of Western Washington (MLAWW) with more in the queue for discussion, voting, and implementation.   These contractors recognize that this is a fair and reasonable contract for the work that our members do.  We intend to publish the list of these contractors by Tuesday, September 4^th so folks know which employers have stepped up and are ready to get back to work after Labor Day.    

Since September 5, 1882, the date the first Labor Day was celebrated, this day has been in recognition and honor for the working men and women of this country.  With that, I want to say that I am honored to represent such a great group of men and women in the Operating Engineers and we are equally grateful and honored to have the support from the other crafts during this challenging time.  We look forward to the day when we are all back to work. 

For those of you able to enjoy and participate in the parades, backyard bbqs, community events, camping trips, and time with family over this Labor Day weekend I wish for you and yours safety and happiness.  For any of you in need of support or assistance see our resources link: www.iuoe302.org/EmergencyResources or call the Hall.   

I want to conclude with some rumor control.  I’ve heard reports about questioning the lack of viability of the new MLAWW, our members’ strike reserves, and our general resolve in this effort.  I can assure those that doubt any of these will be sorely disappointed.  The MLAWW is taking hold and is continuing to grow.  Our strike fund is very healthy and able to fund this effort  As to our resolve, as any trades’ unionist knows, questioning our resolve is akin to insulting our mother.  Not a good idea.      

Finally, I’d ask that members be patient with my crew as we bring the MLAWW online, get some much needed rest, and keep up the good work!

In Solidarity,
Daren Konopaski
International VP and Business Manager

Master Labor Agreement of Western WA:

We have met and discussed with many of our dirt, vertical, paving, and crane contractors the new Master Labor Agreement of Western WA (MLAWW) option.  We have voted and signed several contractors to this agreement and many more meetings and ratification votes are scheduled.  This new agreement is taking hold and, once approved, our members are cleared to go to work for these contractors ASAP.  The terms of these agreements includes all of the language changes recently negotiated in the Western WA MLA plus additional monetary compensation.  This an effective tool and option for contractors who bargain independently. 

At a later date we will post the names of all of the contractors that are signatory to the MLAWW.   In the meantime, contact your field representatives if you have any questions about whether or not a contractor has signed this agreement. 

For contractors interested in considering this option, please contact any of the field representatives listed below based on your area of operations:

Downtown Seattle:  Denny McKinney 206-841-4170 and  Ron Dahl, 206-391-2336

South King County:  Larry Gregory 206-851-6176

East King County: Gabe Chavez 425-518-2069 and Marge Newgent 206-852-0000

North King/Snohomish County: Rick Cunningham 206-251-5893 and Al Cummings, 206-391-2337

Whatcom, Island, and Skagit: Tony Zempel 206-251-5399

Olympic Peninsula: George Garten 360-649-3055 and Josh Swanson 206-293-8350

Central/Eastern Washington (Not District 5): Sean Jeffries 509-307-7059

In Solidarity,
Daren Konopaski
International VP and Business Manager

Member Alert:

Work at the Lighthouse for the Blind Incorporated in Rainier Valley has been approved to address critical safety concerns necessary to prevent harm and injury to these students and personnel.  This includes the work at the Icon South Plant with Hot Mix Pavers doing the paving work.     

Back to Work Update:

The Local has been approached by numerous independent contractors that are interested in signing one independent agreement with significant economic increases for our membership.  The Local is currently meeting with contractors and their employees and may have agreements in place soon putting many of our members back to work.  More updates will follow.

Western WA Master Labor Agreement Update:

We met today with the Employers for the second time since the strike began.  Unfortunately, there was no change from the Employer’s position yesterday.  This is a serious situation and we are committed to coming to a resolution that will be approved by the membership.  To that end, we remain ready and available day or night. 

In Solidarity,

Daren Konopaski

Strike Pay Update

The Strike Committee has met and determined the eligibility requirements for strike pay.  The Committee has determined that each member performing picket duties must log 20 hours of time on the picket line and meet the eligibility criteria in the strike fund policy to be eligible for picket pay the following week.  For example, the strike began on Tuesday, August 21.  Picket pay begins the second week of the strike.  Any member performing picket duties who logged 20 hours of picket time between August 21 to 27 is eligible for picket pay of $80 per day up to a maximum of $400 per week for the week of August 28 to September 3, and so on going forward. 

Strike Captains must submit all log sheets to the Field Representatives assigned to their picket area at the conclusion of each week.  Strike fund benefits may be picked up at the Bothell Hall or will be disbursed by mail in the form of a check.  Picketers must complete a W-9 to apply for strike benefits.  Strike funds are subject to federal income tax.

PLEASE BE PATIENT.  THE LOCAL WILL BE PROCESSING THOUSANDS OF STRIKE FUND APPLICATIONS AND THE PROCESS WILL TAKE SOME TIME.

W-9 Forms	https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Western WA Master Labor Agreement Update:

We met today with the Employers for the first time since the strike began.  The parties exchanged their positions in an effort to reach an agreement. The meeting was short because the Employers’ position has not changed from their last proposal. There are no scheduled negotiation dates but we offered our availability day or night.

In Solidarity,
Daren Konopaski
International VP & Business Manager