July 22, 2019

As contract expiration looms and negotiations stall, group votes to strike

In a crowded auditorium, a group of 80 construction drivers, mechanics, and dispatchers for OMA Construction voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike Sunday morning. Their contract is set to expire on July 31, and the group has already made clear that they do not intend to work past that date without a contract. This strike authorization paves the way for a work stoppage as early as August 1.

This ratified their first contract in 2017. Negotiations for their second Teamster contract began several months ago, but quickly stalled as OMA management was unwilling to take members’ demands seriously. Now that a strike has been authorized, further negotiations will continue this week in the hopes of reaching a contract before July 31.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was electric, as the group was practically chomping at the bit to show their employer they are serious about getting a contract. “If you want to take care of your family, you have to be willing to fight,” said driver Don Oglesby before the vote began. His thoughts were echoed by driver Holly Steele, who reminded everyone in the room that if they wanted a contract, they needed to be ready to fight for their rights.

“This group came together with a list of problems they needed to see solved in this contract, and their employer was unwilling to address any of them in a meaningful way before this vote,” said Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “We hope that this strike vote makes it clear that our members will not lie down. We are together, and we are ready to fight.”

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.