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LANSING, MI – Road construction is back in Michigan due to a temporary resolution in a labor dispute, Governor Rick Snyder said.
According to a press release issued by the governor's office, the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association and Operating Engineers 324 have agreed to work without a contract during the 2018 construction season.
This puts an end to a work stoppage that began on September 4th.
Governor's office says union of road workers and contractors agree to meet
Work Lockout Delays Washtenaw County Road Projects
"This is great news and I appreciate the fact that both sides have seen the importance of the work they do for the safety and quality of life of all Michiganders," Snyder said in the statement. "The critical work of repairing Michigan's roads should not have stopped, but it's important now that projects get back on track."
A long-term solution still needs to be developed, the statement said.
The dispute has affected projects across the state, including Washtenaw County, Jackson County and the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
"We are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming resumption of our outstanding projects," said Emily Kizer, spokeswoman for the Washtenaw County Roads Commission.
Ann Arbor's road projects have been delayed due to a labor dispute
The details of the temporary agreement include:
- MITA will end the lockout on all projects.
- The union will ask its workers to work immediately.
- Priority will be given to projects that can be completed before the arrival of the important winter.
- Other projects will continue as long as possible, including work to prepare them to travel safely in the winter if they can not be completed.
- Contractors and the union will use professional mediation during the winter to help negotiate a new contract.
The I-94 project, worth $ 110 million, which spans nine miles in Jackson County, will be one of the most important projects.
Officials from the Michigan Department of Transportation said the work would resume Monday, October 1.
$ 110 million I-94 project halted in Jackson by labor dispute between contractors
"I understand the frustration this has caused, but our association has an important responsibility to our members who are committed to doing the best job possible to build and maintain Michigan's infrastructure on behalf of taxpayers," Mike said. Nystrom, executive vice president and secretary of MITA, said in a press release.
He added that MITA will work with MDOT to speed up the process and open avenues for motorists.
"Our members are ready to take over their machines and get these projects done across the state – and we look forward to working again as soon as possible," said Ken Dombrow, president of the union of engineers.
"We still have problems to resolve and represent the best interests of our members throughout these negotiations, as we have always done, Michigan engineers have an important job to do and we are happy again."
MDOT will manage projects that can not be completed before the winter season, and will review contract details regarding completion dates, work extensions and potential financial penalties.
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