1. Empire Wind and BCTC signed a project labour agreement for the construction of South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.
2. The PLA aims to create over 1000 union construction jobs and apprenticeships in New York communities.
3. The agreement includes industry-leading safety practices, promotes engagement with MWBEs and SDVOBs, and prioritizes local hires from specific groups.
Empire Wind and the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and Vicinity (BCTC) have signed a Project Labour Agreement (PLA) for the construction of the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal (SBMT). The agreement aims to create over 1000 union construction jobs and apprenticeships in New York communities, prioritizing union members who are residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), veterans, and those living in Sunset Park. The PLA also promotes engagement with Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB).
The PLA represents a commitment to building SBMT responsibly with New York’s skilled union workforce, emphasizing safety practices, equitable training programs, and family-sustaining wages. Empire Wind views SBMT as a crucial piece in the development of the offshore wind industry, offering renewable energy generated off New York’s shores. Construction at SBMT is set to begin with the demolition of existing structures, excavation, and bulkhead preparation work. Contracts for the project will be undertaken by Skanska, GE-BOND, and Nexans.
Through the partnership with Equinor, GE Vernova will provide onshore and offshore electrical systems, while Nexans will contribute to the port infrastructure investment at SBMT. The BCTC, representing local building and construction trade unions, sees offshore wind as an opportunity to create good-paying union careers, bolstering the middle class and providing economic stimulus. The agreement aims to ensure safety standards, family-sustaining wages, and benefits for New York’s tradespeople, supporting the city and state’s clean energy transition.