Airport board signs 10-year labor pact

The agreement also covers potential major public construction projects at Los Angeles World Airports' four airports during the next 10 years, including Palmdale Regional Airport.

The agreement covers terms and conditions for major public works projects at LAX, Ontario International Airport, Palmdale Regional Airport and Van Nuys Airport through December 31, 2010.

It was negotiated with local, state and national craft unions. The agreement initially will cover renovation and improvement of the Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX.

"There is a common recognition among all of the parties to this agreement that we need to proceed with a spirit of harmony," said Los Angeles Mayor Richard J. Riordan. "The commission's decision today will ensure that the ongoing operations of our four airports will be smooth and efficient and suffer no inconveniences because of labor disputes."

Board President John J. Agoglia said, "This agreement will guarantee that, as we move forward with our modernization efforts, the airports will have a highly trained, efficient and productive workforce.

"The Project Labor Agreement will protect the city, the public, and everyone who wants to see our facilities dramatically improved without delay or interruption."

Under the agreement, wages and benefits will be established in accordance with locally negotiated labor contracts and state and federal laws. To ensure continuity and stability of work, as well as completion of projects in a timely manner, the agreement prohibits work stoppages, slow-downs or employer lockouts.

Richard Slawson, executive director of the Los Angeles/Orange County Building Trades Council, said, "This Project Labor Agreement makes sense for all of the airports operated by the City. Taxpayers will get the best project for their money, while we make sure workers get decent wages and benefits."

Another key element of the agreement is a commitment to recruit workers from the local communities for training and employment.

"As part of this agreement, we wanted to make sure that local jobs will be filled by local people," Agoglia said. "Local workers, businesses and communities will benefit from this agreement. New people are going to gain access to good jobs in the construction industry."

LAWA Executive Director Lydia H. Kennard said, "The agreement is good for Los Angeles. It is fair to working men and women and is clearly a major step (toward) upgrading our airport facilities."