Council approves project labor agreement for airport work after city staff cost-benefit review

The Los Angeles City Council approved a Project Labor Agreement tied to airport work after hearing from labor representatives and staff that a cost-benefit analysis supported the agreement.

Why it matters: Project Labor Agreements set terms for wages, dispute resolution and workforce stability on large public projects. Supporters said a PLA reduces the risk of work stoppages and ensures a trained, stable workforce; opponents sometimes raise concerns about bidding and costs.

At a public hearing, Richard Slauson, executive secretary of the LA-Orange County Building Trades Council, told the council the trade groups had worked with city and airport staff for 18 months and urged approval: “we would appreciate your support for this agreement.” City committee chairs and staff told the council a cost-benefit analysis found savings from preventing work stoppages and maintaining continuity outweighed any potential additional costs, and that state law permits project-specific PLAs when a cost-benefit analysis is done. Officials emphasized that the agreement would not bar nonunion firms from bidding but would require bidders to comply with the PLA’s terms if awarded the contract.

Action taken: The council opened and closed the public hearing and approved Item 5; the roll call recorded 14 ayes.

Discussion versus decision: Council discussion focused on legal permissibility and the fiscal analysis; the formal council action was to approve the PLA on the airport project. The council directed staff to proceed with implementation consistent with the agreement’s terms.

Ending: With the ordinance approved, staff and contractors will move toward implementing the PLA’s terms on the designated airport project; the transcript notes staff and labor groups will continue administrative steps to implement the agreement.