CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — One of two West Michigan road projects stalled by a worker strike will resume Wednesday.
The Kent County Road Commission says Rieth-Riley Construction plans to restart street repairs in a Cascade Township north of 36th Street.
The project was halted about three weeks ago when Operating Engineers 324 announcedabout 200 workers were striking over an expired labor contract and “unfair labor practices” by Rieth-Riley.
It’s unclear where the work crews are coming from. News 8 has reached out to Rieth-Riley for an explanation but has not yet heard back.
The Kent County Road Commission announced last month it was adjusting the Cascade Township road project and repairs to Byron Center Avenue in Byron Center because of the strike, so both areas could reopen to traffic.
A spokesperson for the union says last week, Rieth-Riley met with the union over a proposed contract, but walked away from the table. The union representative said Rieth-Riley hasn’t provided any future dates to meet.
Rieth-Riley manufactures asphalt and employs heavy equipment operators for road projects. The Indiana-based company operates 13 facilities statewide including locations on Chicago Drive in Wyoming, Kalamazoo, Zeeland, Big Rapids, Benton Harbor and Ludington.
More news at WOODTV.com