



SEATTLE -- Workers from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (LWU) Local 19 blocked the construction entrance to the State Route 99 tunnel Tuesday morning, saying four jobs promised to the LWU by the Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP), a contractor hired to build the tunnel, never came through.



Dozens of union members blocked the construction entrance to the tunnel near Pier 46. Some workers on the SR 99 tunnel were able to get through, LWU Local 19 President Cameron Williams said, but four workers with jobs allegedly promised to longshore workers would not be allowed access.





Williams said the protest was spurred after STP, the contractor which won the Seattle tunnel dig bid, did not hold up an alleged contract guaranteeing four jobs to LWU local workers. He said those job promises were never fulfilled, and went to STP contract workers instead.



"They've chosen not to implement their contract," Williams said.



STP was not immediately available for comment.



Williams said the issue was largely a "jurisdiction piece." Any work that involved the port such as some dirt excavation work, traditionally goes to longshore workers, Williams said. However, STP did not grant the jobs promised to LWU, Williams said.



Traffic has not yet been affected in nearby areas. Police are on scene monitoring the protest.



