Chicago construction workers and the construction companies will begin negotiations on Wednesday, in hopes of reaching an agreement and ending the strikes that are stopping work at hundreds of construction projects. The workers are asking for a three year wage increase of 15%, to offset health care. The construction companies are offering 3.25% over three years. Union officials say that they did not want to strike, but that they will not give up the benefits that they need for their workers. A spokeswoman for the construction workers said that the strikes were causing suffering for taxpayers. The construction workers' contract expired May 31.
See "Concerns rise as strike continues", Duaa Eldeib and Mick Swasko, Chicago Tribune, July 6, 2010