Strike Delays Burr Ridge Road Projects: Village

BURR RIDGE, IL – A union's strike against materials companies is affecting road projects in Burr Ridge, the village said Thursday. This is the case around the suburbs.

In its monthly newsletter, the village said its road resurfacing program has been delayed because of a union's dispute with three big suppliers of sand, crushed stone and gravel.

"This action has resulted in escalating and severe shortages of asphalt and concrete," the newsletter said.

The village said it is working with its contractor to make sure the streets where projects have begun are safe in their current conditions.

The early stages of the work included drainage grate repairs, sidewalk repairs and concrete curb replacement, the village said.

However, the barricades must stay in place until the pavement milling and asphalt resurfacing can be scheduled, according to the newsletter.

"The Village is reaching out to affected homeowners and appreciates their patience with our road construction delay," the newsletter said.

Western Springs and Darien are among the suburbs affected by the strike.

The strike, which started last month, is by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.

The union launched its strike against three major material producers, Lehigh Hanson, Vulcan Materials and Lafarge Holcim. The union represents operators of heavy equipment.

In a news release, Local 150 said it filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board. It accused the companies of bad faith bargaining and violations of employees' federally protected rights.

The companies produce aggregate materials, including sand, gravel and crushed stone, which are essential in producing asphalt and concrete, according to the news release.

Together, the companies operate 35 quarries and facilities across northern Illinois and employ 300 Local 150 members.

"The companies' aggressive encroachment against their employees' rights has damaged decades of goodwill and cooperation in our industry," Local 150 President James Sweeney said in the release.

In a statement in June, the Chicago Area Aggregate Producers Association, which represents the companies, said it has been trying to get to the "real issues" since early March. It said the union had yet to present a wage and benefits proposal.

"(Association) members work hard to treat their employees fairly, and they value employee safety, health and well-being," the statement said.

The association said Local 150 members pay no premiums for their health insurance and that members have access to a "comfortable" pension plan.

The association also said it is not busing in replacement workers.