‘Alaskans first’ hiring agreement

Petroleum News

The Alaska Gasline Development Corp. said Oct. 13 that it agreed to key terms of an “Alaskans first” hiring agreement with local labor organizations, terms of which are captured in a memorandum of understanding signed by the presidents of AGDC, South Central Alaska Building & Trades Council, Fairbanks Building & Trades Council and the Alaska Petroleum Joint Craft Council.

AGDC said the agreement provides the framework to advise engineering, procurement and construction firms regarding negotiations of project labor agreements with local labor organizations.

“Wages will be established in accordance with prevailing wage rates for local public construction contracts,” AGDC said - terms in the agreement include work and rotation schedules, drug and alcohol testing requirements and safety training. AGDC President Keith Meyer said the agreement reflects intent language adopted in 2014 by the Alaska Legislature which directed AGDC “to prioritize Alaska hiring.”

He said the agreement “sets the stage for future project labor agreements.” “An Alaskans-first agreement guarantees qualified Alaska residents will be first in line to construct and operate the major components of this gasline,” said Alaska AFL-CIO President Vince Beltrami. AGDC said project labor agreements are frequently used to control costs for major infrastructure and construction projects. - PETROLEUM NEWS