Strike continues to halt construction

A strike by workers who install fire sprinklers continued Thursday, affecting an estimated 45 construction sites in King and Pierce counties.

Mike Dahl, business manager of the United Association of Sprinkler Fitters & Apprentices Local 699, said the strike has halted all construction activity at some of those sites. The strike started Tuesday. Dahl said talks with the National Fire Sprinkler Association, which could end the strike, are set for next Thursday. He added that he hopes to advance the talks to Tuesday.

One strike issue is getting higher wages for apprentices, who Dahl said are key to the future of the trade. Apprentices currently start at just over $15 an hour. He said he'll seek an unnamed higher figure, or, as an alternative, a medical plan that increases benefits for young families.