Strike halting WTC reconstruction ends

NEW YORK, July 8 (UPI) -- Heavy-equipment operators at New York's World Trade Center reconstruction site and other projects have returned to work after a weeklong strike.

The union representing more than 2,000 New York City workers reached a four-year contract agreement that calls for increased productivity and raises of more than 20 percent, The New York Times reports.

"We're happy to be back," said Angelo Sisca, who oversees foundation work for the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower at Ground Zero.

The strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers began last Saturday, shutting down hundreds of construction projects.

The workers went on strike after rejecting contractors' demands to increase efficiency at construction sites.

"This is a good deal for labor, a good deal for management and a good deal for New York," Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

Added Christopher Ward, the union's managing director: "I feel very positive about the agreement. Like all things, you don't get everything you asked for, but we got some very important productivity improvements."