New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced two major Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (BCTC) on Thursday, November 21st. The agreements, covering over $1 billion in capital projects, aim to expedite critical infrastructure improvements while creating union jobs and increasing opportunities for minority-and-women owned businesses (M/WBEs).
“These agreements, covering more than a billion dollars in work, are a win-win-win: good union jobs for New Yorkers; faster, better, and more efficient capital projects; and billions of dollars of investment in communities that went ignored for decades,” said Mayor Adams. He also noted that the framework could expand to include $50 billion in future projects.
The PLAs will facilitate key developments, such as green infrastructure upgrades, sewer repairs, and roadway improvements while fostering job creation for underserved communities. A cornerstone of these efforts is the redevelopment of Willets Point in Queens, including 2,500 affordable housing units, a soccer stadium, 650 school seats, and public spaces.
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar called the redevelopment “a once in a generation transformation of Queens.” She added, “After negotiations and community engagement that spanned three mayoral administrations, we are commencing the historic redevelopment of Willets Point, bringing housing, economic empowerment, and unprecedented vibrancy to the neighborhood.”
Gary LaBarbera, president of BCTC, emphasized the agreements’ impact on workers and communities. “Transformational development and green infrastructure upgrades will reinvigorate our communities and bring much-needed stability and economic stimulus to all New Yorkers,” he said.
Michael J. Garner, the city’s Chief Business Diversity Officer, highlighted the PLAs’ role in efficiency and inclusion. “These new Project Labor Agreements will ensure that the city continues to deliver on large construction projects more efficiently and cost-effectively, saving much-needed taxpayer dollars for constituents,” said Garner. He added that the agreements incorporate Community Hiring goals and ongoing investments in M/WBEs.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards applauded worker protections and economic benefits agreements. “The historic project labor agreements announced today will guarantee fair wages and benefits for those who will be working on some of the most critically important construction projects our city has ever seen,” Richards said.
These agreements address the city’s infrastructure needs while also tackling long-standing inequities. By streamlining essential projects, they aim to create fair workforce opportunities.
