Construction Careers: Building for Tomorrow—Today

On Friday, April 16^th, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works unanimously authorized the drafting of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and policy that would ensure public works construction jobs lead to good careers for local residents. Supporters from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, the Los Angeles and Orange County Building Trades Council and community allies crowded the chambers, speaking on the need for a policy that would build a new middle class in Los Angeles communities hit hard by unemployment.

The proposed policy will ensure that construction projects which meet the criteria outlined in the PLA will hire local residents into apprenticeship programs, giving them an opportunity to earn a middle-class career in construction. The Board of Public Works report adds that city and its contractors will reduce construction costs by both streamlining the project approval process and by tying apprenticeships to public works construction projects.

The Board of Public Works vote represents a step forward in creating good middle-class careers for the LA residents who need them most. Though the Board of Public Works vote is a significant victory for LAANE and its allies, there is still more work to be done to ensure that public works projects will build our infrastructure and our middle class at the same time. Upon its final approval, the Board of Public Works will join the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency in implementing an agency-wide policy that puts working families first.