Atlantic Coast Pipeline signs Project Labor Agreements with construction trade unions

Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC recently announced that it signed Project Labor Agreements with four building and construction trade unions.

The agreements were signed with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Teamsters National Pipeline (Teamsters), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States (United Association).

“From day one we’ve committed to building this project to the highest standards of quality and safety,” Leslie Hartz, Dominion Energy’s vice president of engineering and construction, said. “These organizations represent the most highly-skilled and well-trained professionals in the industry. They have the training, dedication, and experience we need, and we’re proud to have them on board for this historic project.”

The agreements state that the four trade unions will hire and train the 13,000 construction workers needed to build the pipeline. The unions committed to hiring at least half of the construction workforce through local union membership in West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. The organizations also committed to hiring at least one quarter of all workers joining the trade unions for the first time from the local communities where the pipeline will be built.

The unions are also offering free training and apprenticeship programs to local residents. The trade unions also participate in the ‘Helmets to Hardhats’ program, which will provide job opportunities to local veterans.