TARTA, Northwest Ohio Building Trades Council partner on project labor policy

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) has collaborated on creating a project labor policy with the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (NWOBTC) that would apply to construction projects costs that exceed $100,000. 

With construction projects on the horizon at TARTA’s downtown Toledo Transit Hub and Central Avenue headquarters, the agreement is designed to guarantee quality craftsmanship on work undertaken at those facilities and at the TARPS paratransit facility at 130 Knapp St. 

“In large part, it’s about local dollars staying local,” said TARTA Board of Trustees Vice President Mary Morrison. “With our recent success at the ballot that will significantly increase local funding to TARTA, we are focused on being both a diligent steward of public funds and more involved in the community. This agreement is a great example of both of those.  

“We believe in supporting the skilled labor in the area that will get these projects completed on time and in an economically sound manner. TARTA is proud to serve this community, and nothing makes more sense than keeping the funds used for these projects here in the area to help grow the local economy,” Morrison concluded. 

As the pandemic continues to make its mark on both the workforce and the supply chain, the agreement is also designed to ensure that projects are completed on time despite those obstacles. 

“On behalf of NWOBTC’s over 17,000 men and women of the construction trades, I would like to thank CEO Laura Koprowski for her leadership in recognizing the value of project labor agreements,” said Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Shaun Enright in a statement. “Adoption of a PLA policy demonstrates TARTA’s commitment to the local community.  

“This commitment demonstrates to the community that TARTA is a good steward of taxpayer dollars by ensuring its construction projects are delivered on-time, on-or under budget, with the highest quality workmanship,” the statement concluded. 

Compliance with workplace payment, health and safety standards are also a benchmark of the policy.