For the first time in decades, local operating engineers are considering a strike.  Members of IUOE Local 99 recently voted down eight separate proposed agreements with EMCOR Government Services, the local’s largest signatory company, Local 99 organizer Eamon Clifford reported at Monday’s Metro Washington Council meeting, “and we’re now preparing to take a strike vote, our first in decades.”  Major issues include wages, pension and healthcare, which is the same issue that provoked UFCW Local 400 members at Giant and Safeway last week to take a strike vote.  Many of Local 99’s members are affected by the EMCOR contracts and the local – which represents skilled tradesmen and licensed engineers in office buildings, government facilities, hospitals and hotels throughout the metro area – plans to begin informational leafleting soon.