Port of Los Angeles signs a 10-year Project Labour Agreement with union group
A 10-year agreement that “ensures quality and timely construction of facilities and large-scale infrastructure projects” at the Port of Los Angeles has won unanimous approval from the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners.
The port-wide Project Labour Agreement (PLA) between the Port and the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council also reinvests in the local economy.
The agreement requires nearly a third of the well-paying jobs and apprenticeships generated by most major Port construction projects go to residents of the harbor area and high-unemployment communities within the City of Los Angeles.
“The men and women who clock in every day at the Port of Los Angeles are a driving force in the global economy,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti.
“This Project Labour Agreement will create new career opportunities that Angelenos deserve, and bring stability to operations as we invest billions in infrastructure that will define the future of the Port.”
Ron Miller, Executive Secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, said: “This PLA builds on the previous five-year agreement that benefitted working families in the harbour area and helped Los Angeles remain one of the top ports in the world.”
“I’m proud to say we are extending this agreement and doubling its term to 10 years. This is a huge vote of confidence in the men and women of our affiliated local unions.”
SEE ALSO:
-
MPA Singapore and IBM to push ahead with new maritime and ports analytics and data scheme
-
PIL, PSA and IBM to collaborate on innovative blockchain technology
-
FSRUs a better investment opportunity than LNG carriers, new report reveals
The PLA is a blanket agreement that establishes wages, benefits and work rules for those hired to build designated Port projects. The agreement ensures all workers – electricians, pipefitters, iron workers, cement masons, laborers and others – earn prevailing wages set forth in the bargaining agreements of all participating union locals.
The PLA covers an initial list of 38 planned and proposed infrastructure projects representing an investment of about $780mn in wharf improvements, rail enhancements, shore power upgrades, marine oil terminal modernisation and waterfront projects.
The Port expects to add more projects over the life of the agreement.
Under the prior agreement, the Port completed 20 major construction projects on time and within budget and is on track to do the same with six remaining projects. The list represents a total investment of nearly $848mn and includes the Berth 200 Rail Yard, TraPac Container Terminal Project, the South Wilmington Grade Separation, and waterfront improvements.
“Skilled workers and apprentices from our own communities provided approximately one third of labour to build these projects,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka.
“We’re eager to keep that momentum going so the Port of Los Angeles remains a modern, competitive and sustainable gateway that strengthens our communities while powering the nation’s economy.”
