LEGISLATORS: DELFINO, STEWART-COUSINS, WISHNIE

MEMBERS: JAY BILOTTA (SANDPORT SUPPLY)

STAFF: KRISS, HEREDIA (BOL)

GUESTS: COMMISSIONER LANDI, RALPH BUTLER

DISCUSSION: PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENT ("PLA")

For more detailed information please refer to the tape on file.

Co-Chairs Delfino and Stewart-Cousins called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. The Committee continued its discussion of the PLA. Leg. Delfino stated he would soon like to take legislative action since the Executive Order will terminate on December 31, 1997. Leg. Delfino pointed out that the previous meetings have narrowed the issues down to two concerns: (1) Once this agreement is in place will it drive up the costs of projects?, and (2) Is One Million dollars too low?

Leg. Delfino noted that there were some project labor agreements that could not be evaluated because they were not completed. Comm. Landi, the invited guest, discussed an analysis of the Woodlands Viaduck Bridge project which is currently on the street with a PLA. The analysis compared the existing agreements of those labor unions that would be on the job with this PLA. This PLA did seek concessions regarding work rules and terms and work conditions. An example of such concession is the "Productivity Labor Clause." This clause states that all people assigned to the job will be productive. This clause saved the County approximately $250,000 a year. Also incorporated in the PLA is a "Labor Dispute Arbitration Clause."

If a problem arises an arbitrator is hired to iron out any differences. The benefit of this clause is that it will neither cost the county money nor does it not stop the project. There is also a "Standardization of the Work Week Clause", which addressed finish and start days as well as holidays . Finally, Comm. Landi discussed the "No Strike Clause." All of the above clauses have shown a savings of $514,000 for a two year period. Based on this saving, the PLA was incorporated into the Woodlands agreement. Comm. Landi also stated that another analyses showed that Unions will not be restricted if PLA’s are utilized. After the analyses was discussed the Committee continued to address the two concerns of the PLA. Comm. Landi stated that a One Million dollar level is valid as long as they have the ability to analyze same. Leg. Wishnie suggested a secondary threshold for jobs of roads and bridges of $5 Million dollars. Leg. Delfino asked Comm. Landi what he recommended the savings of the One Million dollars should be. Comm. Landi replied that a 5% percent savings would be a good number.

Comm. Landi requested that the Board of Legislators write some legislative guideline regarding savings or a percentage saving. Such a guideline would provide both a target to shoot for as well as advise the Unions that they have to show a saving.

Leg. Stewart-Cousins inquired about the inclusion of minorities, women and other economically disadvantaged people in the PLA. She stated that Mr. Doyle has assured her that this matter was addressed in the PLA. However, after reading the agreement she is not clear as to what the County’s specifications are with regards to affirmative actions goals. Comm. Landi stated that there were no specific requirements such as set goals and percentages but there is a Home Town Affirmative Action Plan which has a "good faith effort"

clause. This clause states that there shall be a good faith effort by people who do business with the County of Westchester to try enhance the participation of minorities. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that the Committee needs to urge the County Attorney to draft legislation regarding what the County’s goals are. Leg. Delfino concluded by stating that the Committee will invite the County Attorney to revise the PLA as well as to consider Leg. Stewart-Cousins request.

Leg. Delfino thanked Comm. Landi for his presentation and motioned to adjourn, seconded by Leg. Stewart-Cousins. All in favor [2-0].