Construction projects delayed by carpenters strike

Old Lyme, Conn (WTNH) - Tuesday was day two of the carpenter's union strike, and while they're out on the picket line, the work they were doing at Lyme-Old Lyme high school is now on hold.

Others workers continue to work on the $47 million renovation without the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, and Joiners of America.

Three locals are on strike, Hartford, Fairfield, and New London. Those workers have fifty projects statewide including the high school renovation, the $7.7 million atrium at Norwich Free Academy, and the $22 million regional transportation center in Norwich.

What hurts this project most is that two other unions are honoring the picket line.

"So the operators and the laborers are not on the job either at this point, and that is that is slowing down the project," said Robert Mills from the Norwich Community Development Corporation.

No precast concrete, and no crane operators. Mills says up until Monday the project was on time and within budget.

"Really worked together well as a team so far, so I'd like to hope to get back to that status soon," Mills said.

The carpenters union is striking because it was denied an extension on its one year contract, which expired Sunday. The union wants a three year contract, and an increase for health benefits.

"Pretty soon, if this goes on, the unfortunate part is that it impacts the budget, and this is a taxpayer funded project, so I'd hate to see it get into the arena where it became the union against the taxpayers. I know nobody wants that," said Mills.

Back in Old Lyme, the superintendent of schools tells News 8 the construction manager is handling the scheduling, so right now it's too early to tell if this strike will have any impact on the renovations at the high school.