Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 166 is on strike, a union member confirmed Monday, although reasons for the walkout were unclear.

Kent Prosser, the local's business manager, didn't return phone messages to discuss the issues keeping the building trades workers from reporting to work.

Members were planning to picket local construction firm Shambaugh & Son this morning, a union member told The Journal Gazette.

Although skyrocketing health care costs have been a big issue for many unions, it's unclear whether the issue is at play in the Plumbers & Steamfitters strike.

Local 166 has been a local leader in securing health care for its members, who have access to a clinic under the same roof as the union's offices. Local 166's Health & Welfare Fund owns the clinic, which opened in early 2014.

At that time, about 1,450 Local 166 members and their dependents live within driving distance of the clinic.

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