Within a span of about 12 hours, the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building Trades Council scored two major victories, winning support for Project Labor Agreements (PLA) from the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on March 1, and the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District Board of Directors on March 2.

The Harbor Commissioners voted unanimously for a PLA for a $150 million project for the first phase of its 10-year program to expand and modernize the Port. Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster testified that in his experience, PLAs always come in ahead of schedule and under budget, and have the added benefits of employing local residents and offering career opportunities for young people. A great turnout of building trades affiliates clinched the victory.

The Water District board voted to authorize negotiations on a PLA for $50 million worth of upcoming water conveyance projects such as pipelines and filtration plants. Again, a great turnout of building trades affiliates was instrumental, as was the support of West Covina City Councilmember Roger Hernandez, now a candidate for the Assembly in the 47th District.

Both successful votes also stem from years of work by LA/OC BTC Executive Secretary Richard Slawson, informing and educating local government officials about the benefits of PLAs.