(NEW YORK CITY) – Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (BCTC) President Gary LaBarbera recently joined with New York City Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Doug Lipari to announce $7 billion in City Capital Projects will be completed by the Unionized Construction Industry.
This will ensure fair wages and community hiring opportunities on the projects, the two said during an event held at UA Plumbers Local 1 Training Center’s in New York City.
And the more than $7 billion in City capital construction is expected to be completed by the Unionized Building Trades under newly-signed Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) that will serve a broad range of capital projects – including renovation and rehabilitation of City-owned buildings.
Planned are the construction of recreation centers, solar photovoltaic systems for public schools, water treatment facilities and libraries – as well as many other needed projects.
BBTC President Gary LaBarbera said: “In order for capital projects to reach their true economic potential, it is critical they generate family-sustaining careers for hard-working New Yorkers. PLAs like the ones signed help them to do just that and more by establishing fair wages, safety standards and community hiring initiatives that boost Apprenticeship opportunities and open up more pathways to the Middle Class. We are happy to collaborate with the Mayor’s Office and New York City Talent on these agreements and our Members look forward to being catalysts for these important projects that will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers.”
The PLAs include community hiring requirements, which allows the City to use its purchasing power to set workforce and hiring goals on City contracts and provide good-paying Union career opportunities that pave a path to the Middle Class.
Through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – the City, the BCTC and the Building Trade Employers’ Association of New York City (BTEA) will work collectively to recruit and fill 700 Pre-Apprenticeship positions with residents of NYCHA housing and low-income communities.
These Pre-Apprenticeship Programs provide free training and offer individuals direct entry into Unionized Apprenticeship Programs.
New York City Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Lipari said: “Project Labor Agreements are a proven tool for delivering capital projects efficiently, establishing fair wages and working conditions, and creating robust career pathways for New Yorkers. These new PLAs reflect the City’s strong partnership with the Building and Construction Trades Council and solidify the City’s dedication to the future construction workforce through Community Hiring.”
To Continue Reading This Labor News Story, Go To: 7 Billion in City Capital Projects Completed by Unionized Construction Industry – LaborPress