Montpelier, Vt – Senate President Peter Shumlin, today was joined by
Senator Vince Illuzzi, House Majority Leader Floyd Nease and members of Vermont Labor organizations to announce the introduction of a Senate resolution that urges Governor Douglas to reconsider his rejection of a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the new Lake Champlain Bridge.
A PLA is a single-site labor agreement that if implemented for the
construction of the new Lake Champlain Bridge could save Vermonters
$1.75 to $3 million. In addition, the implementation of a PLA would
guarantee Vermont union workers employment on the project.
“I am encouraging the Douglas/Dubie Administration to reconsider
their position on the PLA as it will guarantee hard working Vermonters
much needed employment and save our taxpayers money,” said Senator Peter Shumlin. “In these difficult economic times our government needs to do everything we can to get Vermonters working again. It is not enough to just pay lip service to job creation, we need to take decisive action that will create jobs and get our economy moving again.”
Implementing a PLA would harmonize conflicting labor agreements and
facilitate quality, cost-effective construction work. In addition, cost savings would be achieved as labor unions would agree to forego overtime and other contract benefits in exchange for the opportunity to work on the project.
“We have an opportunity here to get Vermonters working and save
taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Senator Vince Illuzzi, Chair of
the Senate Economic Development Committee. “We should be exploring
this opportunity, not just shutting the door without attempting to
negotiate a resolution.”
Source: Press release, Office of the Senate President Peter Shumlin
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