From The Banner · Mennatalla Ibrahim · · 2m
Prince George’s officials backed Sphere labor deal but support shifted
Prince George’s officials initially supported Sphere labor deal but now face divided stance on public funding.
In brief
Prince George’s officials initially supported Sphere labor deal but now face divided stance on public funding. Prince George’s County officials previously backed a labor agreement for the Sphere project but now face tension over whether to require a project labor agreement before committing public funds. Originally…
County officials initially supported Sphere labor deal
Eight Prince George’s County elected officials backed requiring a union agreement for the proposed Sphere at National Harbor before the June primary.
“Before the June primary, eight Prince George’s County elected officials said they supported requiring a union agreement for the proposed Sphere at National Harbor.”
County executive opposes Sphere project labor agreement
County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s administration raised concerns that requiring a project labor agreement could hinder local businesses and workers from participating in the $1.4 billion project.
“The county executive’s administration has also raised concerns that requiring a PLA could make it harder for Prince George’s County residents and local businesses to work on the project.”
Sphere refuses project labor agreement
Sphere executives stated they will not enter into a project labor agreement or require subcontractors to change labor practices for a unionized workforce.
“At a Sept. 21 council hearing, a Sphere executive said the company doesn’t plan to enter into a PLA or require its subcontractors to change their labor practices to create a unionized workforce.”
Labor unions push for labor standards
The Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO wants labor standards established before Sphere construction begins to ensure skilled workers and community benefits.
“There would be skilled labor and community benefits that should be needed from [the county] and that workers should be able to benefit from a deal with the county giving a TIF to a billion-dollar corporation.”
County council members support labor agreements
All eight county officials backed project labor agreements and prevailing-wage requirements for future county projects and labor peace for new hotels and grocery stores.
“All eight officials, Braveboy and the seven County Council members seeking reelection, said they supported a PLA and a labor peace agreement for the Sphere’s construction.”
Local unions argue PLA benefits workers
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local Union 5 business manager Terriea Smalls said project labor agreements help workers build careers and businesses through apprenticeships.
“Project labor agreements and using skilled union labor has proven over and over and over to be safer, more efficient, on time, and on budget.”
County council weighs $215 million bonds
The County Council is reviewing up to $215 million in bonds for Sphere and related infrastructure, with a final vote expected in October.
“Prince George’s council weighs approval of up to $215 million in National Harbor Sphere bonds”
Tensions over labor agreement persist
Some council members, led by Krystal Oriadha, continue pressing Sphere despite the company’s refusal to enter a project labor agreement.
“Some council members, led by Oriadha, have continued to press Sphere on labor despite the company’s position.”
County seeks balance in labor agreement
The Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO wants workers, apprentices, and local communities to have a meaningful stake in Sphere development beyond short-term construction jobs.
“This is just not about an economic development project or a new building or a new shiny object at National Harbor. This is an opportunity.”
The bottom line
Prince George’s County officials previously backed a labor agreement for the Sphere project but now face tension over whether to require a project labor agreement before committing public funds.
