Boise Cascade Workers Strike in Billings

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Members of Teamsters Union Local No. 190 in Billings officially went on strike against Boise Cascade on Tuesday, demanding fair wage increases and improved health care benefits after months of stalled contract negotiations.

The 20 workers at Boise Cascade’s Billings, Montana, facility walked off the job early Tuesday evening, citing management’s refusal to offer a fair contract. The strike follows a  breakdown in talks after the company failed to address workers’ concerns over stagnant pay and inadequate health care coverage.

“Boise Cascade has enjoyed strong profits year after year, yet those gains have not been reflected in the wages of the very people who keep operations running,” said James Soumas, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Union Local No. 190. “Our members are standing up to demand wages that reflect the rising cost of living and competitive environment and health care that won’t bankrupt families.”

Teamsters Local No. 190 has been engaged in contract negotiations with Boise Cascade for several months. Despite efforts to reach a fair agreement, the company has not made a serious offer addressing core issues, according to union officials representing the employees.

About a half-dozen employees were on the picket line Wednesday afternoon, pointing out the lumber yard on the West end of Billings was silent.

“Look at that one truck,” said one union member, who declined to give his name out of fear of retribution. “There’s more than $50,000 of lumber sitting on it, idle. I think they can offer fair wages.”

Officials at Boise Cascade’s headquarters were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday.

However, according to the end-of-the-year report to investors, Boise Cascade showed that sales decreased 2% from $6.83 billion to $6.72 billion, and earnings per share fell 21%, driven in large part by a cooling in the U.S. residential housing market. CEO Nate Jorgensen noted that many uncertainties surrounded the beginning of 2025, including an uncertain housing market as well as global trade issues.

“We don’t want to be out here on the picket line, but we won’t accept a deal that sells us short. We deserve respect, stability and a future,” said Zeb Plovanic, a longtime employee at the facility.

 Courtesy: www.idahocapitalsun.com