Project Labor Agreement Sound Transit
A project labor agreement (PLA) is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement between a builder, contractor, or developer and a labor organization. The objective is to ensure that an agreed-upon workforce will be hired for the duration of the project, and certain labor standards will be maintained.
One of the latest examples of a PLA was signed by Sound Transit in Seattle in March 2020. The agreement, which covers the construction of the Federal Way Link Extension project, ensures that all workers will receive fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The Sound Transit PLA is a part of the agency`s commitment to delivering projects that provide high-quality transit options to the community. The agreement will apply to contractors and subcontractors involved in the Federal Way Link Extension project, which will construct a light rail line extension from the existing Angle Lake Station to the Federal Way Transit Center.
This PLA includes various labor standards, such as provisions for local and apprenticeship hiring, prevailing wages, health care benefits, and safety training. Ensuring that these labor standards are included in the agreement protects workers, promotes local hiring, and ensures that the project is completed safely and on time.
Additionally, the Sound Transit PLA includes a community workforce agreement (CWA), which will ensure that women and communities of color are represented in the workforce. The CWA requires contractors to follow a workforce diversity program that aims to increase the participation of underrepresented groups such as women, veterans, and minorities.
In conclusion, project labor agreements like the one signed by Sound Transit are an essential tool for ensuring that workers are treated fairly, and projects are completed with high-quality labor standards. The Sound Transit PLA will help to ensure that the Federal Way Link Extension project is successful while promoting fair labor standards and diversity in the workforce.