Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Members of the Rhode Island carpenters union Local 94, have ended their strike against the association representing state's major building contractors after the contractors agreed to shorten the term of a new agreement.

Over the weekend, the carpenters overwhelmingly rejected a four-year proposal from Rhode Island Chapter of the Associated General Contractors that would have gradually implemented a $6-per-hour increase. However the extra pay would be used to cover any future increases in fringe benefits.

The carpenters now get $30 per hour plus $20.45 per hour to cover health insurance and other benefits.

The new two-year deal, approved unanimously Thursday morning by about 400 members at the union hall in Warwick, calls for a $1.50 increase in the first year and an additional $1.75 the second.

"Increases will cover rising costs of benefits with likely minimal, if any, wage hikes," according to a statement by Local 94 and the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.

The union, which had halted work on all sites that did not have memoranda of understanding with the contractors, remains on strike against heavy and highway contractors. Those negotiations are continuing.

"The brevity of the work stoppage clearly demonstrated that neither side wanted a strike," according to the union statement. "We understand the financial troubles that are currently impacting the construction industry. That is why we worked so hard to negotiate a reasonable agreement that balances those concerns with those of rank-and-file carpenters who build the highest quality projects in Rhode Island."

gemery@projo.com / (401) 277-7442

 Tags  Associated General Contractors carpenters contractors Local 94

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