Wisconsin Equipment Operators End Strike With Wage Gains

This year seems to be filled with strikes and controversies in the construction industry. After the strikes of CNH industrial employees, the spotlight turned to the equipment operator’s protest in Wisconsin. They grabbed the attention by bringing their concerns regarding the low wages and other employment conditions to the forefront.

After a good 19 days, the strike came to an end with the approval of a new agreement on salary increases. On June 19, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 139 declared that its members had successfully negotiated new conditions with the Greater Milwaukee Association of General Contractors (AGC) and the Allied Construction Employers Association (ACEA).

A little background of the strike

The strike started on June 1, with the participation of hundreds of equipment operators. The workers in the counties of Milwaukee, Kenosha, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, and Waukesha in the state of Wisconsin went on protest. The disagreement started on May 31, the day the Area I Master Building Agreement expired. When negotiations came to a deadlock, union members decided to take action to secure equal benefits. Their basic claims were the low wages that were not enough and justified for the rigorous and tough job. Furthermore, the inflation in the states and other countries made them take this tough step. On the other hand, significant support for the strike came from a variety of sources, including friends, family, and other trades. The union expressed its gratitude to everyone who participated in the pole in a Facebook post on June 19.

What clauses were added to the agreement?

Union members made between $39.24 and $50.71 per hour under the prior contract, which went into effect in June 2021, according to their equipment and classification. From 2021 to 2023, these prices saw small annual increases of roughly $1 per hour. The new agreement includes a pay increase of $2 to $2.45 per hour depending on the heavy equipment machinery operator’s classification, and it goes into effect retroactively on June 2. In addition, there will be a $3.55 to $4 increase in the whole hourly package, which includes pay, health insurance, pension, pensions, and skill development.

Local 139 President Terry McGowan highlighted the union’s history of working with contractors during the walkout, pointing out that members felt underpaid in an industry that was experiencing growth. They are trying to get a good deal to keep up with inflation,” McGowan stated to the ABC affiliate WISN 12.

In a statement to CBS 58 on June 11, the AGC of Greater Milwaukee expressed its admiration and support for the union members and their leadership. The AGC emphasized its dedication to carrying on sincere talks despite the disagreement and stressed the importance of the union members as essential components of their companies.

A quick closure

Heavy equipment operators called off the strike that was going on for the past 19 days in the Wisconsin state of USA. The main agenda of the strike was the least pay and perks that were not enough to meet their ends need. Luckily the strikes came to an end with a positive outcome. Wisconsin heavy equipment operators will now make more money and have greater benefits according to the new deal. The workers, who went on strike to seek fair pay, are happy with the outcome. They will be properly rewarded for their efforts due to the higher pay and perks. This resolution demonstrates how crucial it is to work together to improve working conditions.

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