HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2018 Item 13, Heyl1867 Fixlini Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
July 10, 2018
Dear San Luis Obispo City Council members,
RECEIVED
JUL 10 2018
Ji—Lo C'TY.. tf.
COUNCIL MEETING: 1 )LD J I e
ITEM NO.: 13
My name is Mike Heyl. I am a long time resident of San Luis Obispo. I will not be able to attend
tonights City Council meeting, so I am writing to you to support the passage of project labor
agreements for our city. PLAs benefit a large section of local skilled -labor workers, ensure that the
projects have the highest quality of construction and support city, county and local businesses by
increasing revenues.
Project Labor Agreements ensure the safest, highly -skilled and inclusive workforce for the construction
of local projects. Workers receive intensive training at local construction workshops. They are paid a
living wage and many are head of household jobs. Several studies have concluded that for every dollar
spent on a a PLA project, seven dollars enter the local economy. Workers safety is also a high priority
as a contractors and workers must comply with project safety rules. I urge you attend some of the
trainings held at the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to get a look at the
curriculum and how the training benefits local construction projects. The training enables the trainee to
have not only the skills to do the job, but the work ethic to go along with it.
All of this translates directly into cost savings for developers and owners through efficiency, few lost
time accidents and far fewer cost overruns. PLAs also provide broader employment through expanded
apprenticeships, and that includes more opportunities for minorities and women. This fact is supported
by a lot of research.
In closing, the majority of San Luis Obispo residents want a highly trained, diverse work -force
compensated with a fair salary. These PLAs guarantee that project owners receive the best -trained,
highest skilled workers available and ensure safe jobs at decent wages for hundreds of men and women
in San Luis Obispo.
Sincerely,
Mike Heyl