The Exposition Metro Rail Line Construction Authority Board of Directors moved closer yesterday to finalizing a Project Labor Agreement championed by County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas for the second phase of the downtown-to-Santa Monica light rail line. Such an agreement would ensure the majority of construction work will be performed by a mix of union workers, local residents and small businesses.
The Expo Authority’s agreement with the Los Angeles/Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council has two key benefits: not only does it create quality jobs with decent pay and benefits, having a Project Labor Agreement in place before the start of construction prevents labor disputes that can delay a project.
Final approval of the agreement will accompany the awarding of the construction contract for the rail line, which is expected to occur in February. The Expo line is divided into two phases:
Phase I, from downtown Los Angeles to Culver City, is scheduled to open with limited service next year. Phase II, with service to Santa Monica, is expected to be completed in ‘15.
“This agreement will mean those who live along the route will have an opportunity for jobs building the line,” Mr. Ridley-homas said. “We need up-front assurances the rail line will enrich our community with high-quality jobs, not extract from it by importing workers who will cash their paychecks elsewhere.”
Scott Malsin, a City Councilman in Culver City and an Expo director, said of the agreement, “the opening of the Expo Line presents Culver City with fantastic opportunities. Adopting a PLA will help us complete the project without delay.”
Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson, Jr., also an Expo director, praised the union local hire agreement as well. “These jobs will not only provide much-needed work for our journeymen,” he said, “it will train a new generation who will build their skills and long-term career prospects as they work to build the rail line.”
Jamarah Harris may be contacted at jharris@bos.lacounty.gov
