Pacific Northwest ironworkers narrowly ratified a new four-year contract in ballots counted Sept. 11 — after earlier rejecting two previous employer offers.
The regional master agreement covers more than 5,000 members of three Ironworkers locals: Seattle-area Local 86, Portland-based Local 29, and Local 14 of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho.
Once again, sentiment ran against the contract in Local 29, which rejected it by 348-167 (68%). But because Local 86 members approved it by a 2-1 margin, and Local 14 members by a 4-1 margin, when all the votes were added together it passed by 681-584 (54%).
After each of the previous offers were rejected, the Northwest Ironworkers Employers Association made its offer more generous. The agreement that was ultimately approved raises total compensation $16 over four years.
In all three votes, turnout was highest in the Portland-based local, and so was sentiment against the agreement. In part that’s because it perpetuates a disparity in which ironworkers make more in the Seattle area, even though the cost of living has arguably risen faster in the Portland area.
Currently, journeyman ironworkers in the Portland area make $43.82 an hour plus $33.98 an hour in benefits, for a total package of $77.80 an hour.
The new collective bargaining agreement replaces one that expired June 30.
