Seattle and King County are dealing with a cause and effect situation: as the flow of concrete slows and stalls, area construction and projects also slow, or stall. 

The issue is a 330-person strike of concrete workers from six concrete suppliers in the area. 

In a news release late last week, Teamsters Local 174 said it had offered “a new proposal that would (have) put workers back in trucks immediately, while negotiations continue on a full-term contract.” Negotiators for the companies did not engage that proposal, according to the release.

Since about Feb. 21, the strike has caused a pause in progress, with the union as well as the companies trading barbs, and proposals.

On Feb. 25, companies in a statement said they’ve sweetened their offer, which is now a pay hike of over 18% over three years. The companies previously offered to increase wages by 17.6%.

The union says that’s not enough to keep up with the pace with inflation.