PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT TO COVER $1.8 BILLION CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(Los Angeles, California – July 7, 2008) Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners today approved the coverage of an estimated $1.8 billion of certain upcoming projects in the first phase of Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX's) Capital Improvement Program under Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA's) established Project Labor Agreement (PLA).
"This agreement will ensure that construction projects can proceed quickly using a highly qualified workforce," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa. "The agreement will also make sure that our multi-billion-dollar construction program at LAX will provide high-quality job opportunities for local residents."
Richard Slawson, executive secretary of the Los Angeles/Orange County Building & Construction Trades Council, said, ”Today’s Board action to cover LAX modernization projects under the long-standing LAWA Project Labor Agreement is a huge step toward continuing the partnership for growth, economy and quality. Area craft union officers and workers, contractors' representatives, the City of Los Angeles and LAWA have seen the successful completion of various projects under the excellent labor relations policy contained in the PLA. The citizens of Los Angeles will gain tremendously from good jobs and successful projects that will be completed under this program.”
Airport Commissioner Joseph Aredas, who participated in the negotiations, said, "Today's action by the Board of Airport Commissioners will ensure a stable workforce, fair wages and working conditions, and employment of affected local residents during the upcoming construction of public works projects vital to the future of LAX and our region's economy."
The project labor agreement was negotiated with the Los Angeles/Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council and their affiliated local unions, the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), the Building and Construction Trades Council of California, and signatory craft unions.
The agreement currently covers the on-going $723-million Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) Interior Renovation Program. Today’s Board action will extend PLA coverage to certain LAX development projects, including two related crossfield taxiway projects (Taxiway C-13 construction with bridge and Taxiway D extension west to Taxiway C-13) and six related gate projects on the west side of the Tom Bradley terminal (south four gates, aprons/tarmac for these south gates, pedestrian tunnel structure, north three gates, aprons/tarmac for these north gates, and a terminal core addition).
LAWA's Project Labor Agreement provides for the following:
- Establishment of uniform working rules and conditions for all major construction projects, including uniform enforcement of safety regulations; central oversight of non-discriminatory employment practices; and consistent application of fair working conditions;
- Labor stability through prompt and effective dispute resolution and prohibition on strikes, work stoppages, other labor disruptions and contractor lock-outs;
- Hiring of qualified construction personnel through employment processes established by local contractors and union hiring halls;
- Participation of local residents in employment and training programs, such as pre-apprenticeship programs and priority entrance of local residents into the state-certified apprenticeship programs jointly administered by contractors and labor unions;
- Participation by all qualified contractors and construction employees, including those who have not traditionally worked under project labor agreements or who are non-union members;
- Establishment of fair wages and working conditions through enforcement of state prevailing wages; and
- Establishment of joint labor-management committees to encourage communications among stakeholders, including officials and residents of local communities impacted by the construction program.
