Cleveland drywall workers, represented by the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 505, officially went on strike May 1 in pursuit of higher pay and stronger benefits, according to union and contractor representatives, reports Mark Oprea for Scene.

The strike, confirmed by multiple sources, comes as drywallers prepare to vote on new bargaining agreements this week. “The drywall finishers are on strike. They’re looking for more money, better pay and more benefits,” said a spokesperson for AVM Group, a Tremont-based drywall contractor.

The action aligns with a wave of labor activity in Cleveland, including union organizing at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, where employees are also pressing for better compensation and greater transparency.

Industry conditions have added further strain. A 10 percent tariff on Chinese construction materials introduced in February has driven up costs, while higher mortgage rates, limited tax abatements, and federal immigration policies affecting construction labor have created additional challenges for contractors.

Though Local 505 did not respond to requests for comment, striking drywallers are continuing to work on some projects through City Hall-issued project labor agreements (PLAs). The city reported no immediate disruption to municipal projects and expressed optimism that a resolution.