Seven weeks after it started, a strike that hampered road construction in northeastern Illinois has ended with quarry workers approving a new contract with materials producers Lehigh Hanson, Vulcan Materials and LafargeHolcim.
About 300 members of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150
voted unanimously July 25 to accept the contract that calls for workers to receive a minimum 16.14% economic increase over the three-year life of the agreement.
The contract with the Chicago-area quarry companies, ratified on July 26, includes more than 20 language changes covering such areas as job classifications, additional pay opportunities, safety, equipment and tool allowances, and per diem changes.
Local 150 spokesman Ed Maher said the strike delayed road work throughout northeastern Illinois.