New York City has finalized two Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) covering more than $7 billion in upcoming public construction projects, a move city leaders say will expand union employment, strengthen apprenticeship opportunities and support the timely delivery of critical infrastructure.
Announced by Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development, the agreements were negotiated with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and Vicinity (BCTC) and apply to a wide range of city-funded capital projects.
The agreements will govern construction, renovation and infrastructure work across New York City, including recreation centers, libraries, public schools, water treatment facilities and renewable energy projects.
Expanding workforce opportunities
City officials say the labor agreements are designed to ensure projects are completed under standardized labor conditions while creating more pathways into union careers for New Yorkers.
Under the agreements, workers will receive union wages, benefits and workplace safety protections. The PLAs also include community hiring requirements intended to increase employment opportunities for residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments and neighborhoods with higher poverty rates.
As part of a related memorandum of understanding between the city, the BCTC and the Building Trades Employers’ Association of New York City, officials plan to recruit 700 pre-apprentices who will receive free construction skills training before entering union apprenticeship programs.
Mayor Adams said the initiative combines infrastructure investment with workforce development by creating quality jobs while accelerating public construction projects.
Industry leaders welcome the agreements
Construction industry organizations praised the agreements, saying they will help address future workforce needs while supporting economic growth.
Gary LaBarbera, president of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, said the agreements establish consistent labor standards while expanding access to apprenticeship programs and middle-class careers.
Union leaders representing several building trades also highlighted the long-term benefits for workers entering the construction industry.
John Jovic, business manager of Local 12 Heat and Frost Insulators, said the projects will create additional apprenticeship opportunities while providing workers with competitive wages and comprehensive union benefits.
Paul O’Connor, business manager of Plumbers Local 1, described the agreements as a catalyst for both infrastructure improvements and workforce development, while Joseph Azzopardi of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades said the initiative will support high-quality construction while creating opportunities for working families.
Supporting future infrastructure investment
Industry groups also emphasized the broader economic impact of the agreements.
Carlo A. Scissura, president of the New York Building Congress, said the PLAs will allow thousands of apprentices to gain hands-on experience on major public projects while helping modernize the city’s infrastructure.
John O’Hare of the Building Contractors Association added that the agreements will strengthen the construction workforce by preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople while ensuring public investments benefit local communities.
City officials say the new labor agreements reinforce New York City’s commitment to investing in infrastructure while expanding access to stable, well-paying union careers through apprenticeship and workforce development programs.
