Just when it seemed hard times were over for Hawaii’s construction industry, it faces a crippling strike. The Teamsters Union said it will strike Oahu’s two cement/concrete companies if new contracts cannot be reached. The first strike would begin at Ameron International, Oahu’s largest supplier of concrete. The second strike, against Hawaiian Cement Company could begin Saturday.
The union said the companies are demanding that workers pay a bigger share of their health care premium. Workers said they are willing to strike to prevent that. An extended strike at both companies would be devastating to Oahu’s construction industry, claim the Teamsters.
