Local earnings from Port of Oakland projects top $6.5 million

Oakland, CA.–(December 6, 2016):  Local workers made $6.5 million in earnings while working on Port of Oakland construction projects in 2016.  More than 60 percent of those who worked on Port projects live within Alameda and Contra Costa counties.  According to figures released today, the result exceeded the Port’s annual local hiring goal of 50 percent.

“The Port of Oakland contributes to the local economy by being a major job creator,” said Port of Oakland Director of Social Responsibility Amy Tharpe.  “We work closely with the general contracting community to ensure that they are doing everything possible to support local hiring.”

The percent of total work hours from those workers who reside in Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro and Emeryville is 37 percent.  This represents a 3.5 percent increase from 2015 data.

Some examples of local contracting and hiring at the Port of Oakland in 2016:

• Local contractors provided North Field Runway Safety Area Improvements at Oakland International Airport
• Local contractors designed and constructed the Oakland Outer Harbor Terminal support yard Phase 1
• Local workers renovated Building M102 Air Traffic Control Tower at Oakland International Airport

The Port of Oakland adopted a Maritime Aviation Project Labor Agreement (MAPLA) in 2000.  It was updated in February 2016 to further promote local hire and promote more access for local workers interested in the construction industry.  The agreement covers maritime and aviation-related construction projects funded through the Port’s Capital Improvement Program.

It was designed to ensure employment of local residents, promote project labor stability, and promote the utilization of small business. The Port MAPLA was the first of its kind and is still a national model among PLAs.

Project labor agreements are collective bargaining agreements between public agencies, contractors, and local labor organizations. The agreements are authorized under the National Labor Relations Act.

About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:
Robert Bernardo,
Communications Manager
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1401
Click here to contact Robert Bernardo

Marilyn Sandifur,
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193

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