July 29, 2019

Sunday morning, a group of construction drivers, mechanics, mechanic helpers and lube techs overwhelmingly voted “yes” to a strong new contract covering 85 members. The vote comes one week after this group voted to authorize a strike against their employer. The success of this new agreement is a direct result of that powerful display of solidarity.

The new contract includes meaningful improvements throughout. In addition to major increases in wages, healthcare and pension, the Agreement now provides for the strongest language in the industry when it comes to honoring a member’s “Date of Hire” for work opportunities. OMA ownership also stepped up to the plate and became the first construction Employer to agree to keep their employees whole for being summoned for jury duty. Most importantly, the agreement makes OMA Teamsters the third workgroup in Teamsters Local 174 to take advantage of the new “RWT XL Plus” plan, which gives retirees access to healthcare at affordable rates.

Teamsters working in the construction industry are dominated by the AGC agreement, which covers hundreds of workers throughout Western Washington. Smaller construction units often find themselves chasing the terms of that agreement. However, this new OMA contract just became the leading contract in the industry including those working under the AGC agreement.

“We knew negotiations for this contract were going to be challenging from the start, but thanks to incredible solidarity from the members, OMA management saw the writing on the wall and delivered a great contract these workers deserve,” said Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “OMA Construction has grown dramatically since their first Teamster contract ratified two years ago, and we are proud to see our members sharing in the riches they earned for this Company with their hard work.”

 Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,100 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.