Workers on projects funded by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are gaining experience and working under increased protections thanks to an order issued by Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.

 

Commissioner Franz last year issued an official order protecting workers that required large projects on state lands have in place project labor agreements and apprenticeship programs.

 

“By ensuring labor peace, we are ensuring the workers who are building a more sustainable economy share in those gains and have the chance to advance in their careers. At the same time, it protects the state’s investments in these projects by eliminating delays from labor conflict or shortage,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “As the daughter of a proud union father, I know first hand how important worker protections are for building healthy families.”

 

Commissioner Franz’s Order on Project Labor Agreements and Apprenticeship Program requires project labor agreements for clean energy projects and public works contracts awarded by DNR that are estimated to cost $1 million or more. The order also requires contractors use apprenticeships for no less than 15 percent of a project’s total labor hours.

 

A project labor agreement (PLA) is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project. These agreements ensure labor peace, making them an effective tool for ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget, providing a reliable sources of skilled workers, increasing diversity and equitable workforce development, and improving the health and safety of workers.

 

“We believe that PLA’s offer a pathway to the middle class. Commissioner Franz’s directive offers more working Washingtonians a pathway to good paying jobs, healthcare and the ability to retire with dignity,“ said Billy Wallace, Political and Legislative Director for the Washington & Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers. “Apprenticeships are a key component to building our next generation of workers and this directive will engage a new generation of workers who are invested in their careers and taking care of Washington’s lands. We commend her leadership in developing and protecting our workforce.” 

 

The integration of social equity in labor programs and projects instituted by Washington's localities and jurisdictions has proven successful in fostering family-wage careers for workers-in-training, residents of economically disadvantaged communities, and those underrepresented in particular industry sectors in Washington-aligning with the Department's goals regarding equity and social justice, and in growing the skilled workforce necessary for our state's continued prosperity.

 

DNR lessees have successfully utilized project labor agreements in past clean energy projects and commercial leases including the Lund Hill Solar project.

 

The agency has also begun employing apprenticeship programs at its Webster Seed Nursery outside Olympia.

 

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