Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) or Community Benefit Agreements guarantee opportunities on all Port Columbus/CRAA terminal expansion projects for minority contractors and opportunities for the local community through the local hire provision and the workforce development provision. Under this agreement all construction tradespeople and apprentices regardless of union or non-union status are contractually guaranteed:
- pay-equity regardless of race, ethnicity, and gender;
- industry-standard wages and employer-paid retirement and healthcare benefits;
- contractors – including “certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Diverse Business Partners” – shall maximize employment with industry-standard wages and benefits for local people of color, women of color, women, and veterans;
- veteran-hiring opportunities through the Helmets to Hardhats Apprenticeship-Readiness Program;
- local workforce development and social-support services through Building Futures Apprenticeship Readiness Program for people of color, women of color, women, justice-involved individuals, individuals recovering from addiction, and Columbus residents who have faced barriers to education or employment in the local construction industry.