For all city building projects with a cost of over $1 million, La Mesa will require project labour agreements that favour local unions. On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved the agreement between the city and the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council.
The contract is for three years. If other cities reach better deals with the Trades Council, the City Council is allowed to change it. The labour agreement will cover future projects such as the installation of a 200-foot-long storm drain box at 69th Roadway and Boulevard Drive. Moreover, roadway resurfacing slated for next year.
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A project labour agreement, often known as a PLA, is a contractual arrangement that requires contractors and subcontractors to engage unionised labour on building projects.
PLAs create pay, safety, and working conditions norms, as well as local recruiting practises and apprenticeship or training programmes.
More details on the La Mesa unions agreement
According to the Department of Labour, PLAs give a guarantee that projects are completed on time and under budget. Other advantages mentioned include more diversity, and more efficient management of huge projects. Additionally, enhanced worker safety and health. Companies will receive a consistent supply of experienced personnel.
According to the Associated General Contractors of America, a construction trade organisation that opposes such agreements, government-mandated PLAs can reduce the number of competitors for projects, increasing their cost.
Dozens of union members and representatives celebrated the motion, including those who spoke during public remarks.
According to the Department of Labour, workers under a PLA are not compelled to join a union. Furthermore, non-union contractors are not prevented from bidding on projects where such agreements are necessary.
The La Mesa municipal Council decision follows a resolution earlier this month by the Chula Vista local Council. They will impose project labour agreements for anything developed on municipal land worth at least $1 million. In addition, affordable housing complexes get $5 million or more in local funds.
