Department of Labor adds 16 new large federally funded projects to program promoting equal access to good jobs created by Investing in America agenda

Department of Labor adds 16 new large federally funded projects to program promoting equal access to good jobs created by Investing in America agenda
WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor today announced the addition of 16 large infrastructure projects, funded through the Biden-Harris administration’s $2 trillion Investing in America agenda, to the Mega Construction Project Program.The department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs launched the “Megaproject” Program in March 2023. It aims to foster equal opportunity in the construction trades’ workforce and expand access to the millions of good jobs being created by large federal or federally assisted construction projects valued at $35 million or more and that last more than one year.“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to building a workforce that looks like America—and the Megaproject Program is all about us putting our money where our mouths are,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Under President Biden’s leadership, we are removing barriers that prevent people from all backgrounds from having their opportunity to secure the good jobs supported by the Investing in America agenda. At the Department of Labor, we will continue to work with hundreds of construction contractors on large federally funded projects to ensure that these economic investments are accessible to all communities.”The program brings together the public and private sectors to provide a diverse pool of qualified workers with access to good jobs and promotes equitable hiring and fair workplace practices by federal contractors, with a focus on removing barriers for underrepresented communities including women, people of color, veterans and people with disabilities. OFCCP leverages relationships in local communities and assists contractors in strengthening their recruitment, hiring and other employment practices.“Megaprojects provide workers with opportunities to access life-changing, good-paying construction jobs,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Acting Director Michele Hodge. “OFCCP will unleash its full power by engaging stakeholders in the community proactively to remove hiring barriers in the construction trades and ensure these historic federal investments reach underrepresented communities.” To designate these Megaprojects, OFCCP partnered with the departments of Commerce, Energy, Interior and Transportation, as well as with the Army Corps of Engineers, to apply neutral criteria in making the selections. With the latest additions, the agency has now designated a total of 40 megaprojects. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping communities tackle the climate crisis while creating good-paying, family-sustaining jobs and revitalizing local economies,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “As with all of our work, we are implementing these historic investments with an eye towards equity and opportunity. The Department of the Interior is proud to partner with the Department of Labor to ensure that the benefits of these new programs reach historically marginalized communities, including Tribal Nations, and that the jobs created provide opportunity in every corner of America.”“The Department of Transportation is proud to partner with the Department of Labor on the Megaproject Program,” said Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg. “Our two agencies will help ensure that people who have historically been shut out of construction and the trades are part of the national effort to help build critical infrastructure ranging from roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and trails like the Atlanta Beltline.”“Building a brighter future starts with an inclusive foundation. By fostering diversity and empowering skilled workers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers not only strengthens our projects but also enriches the communities we serve,” said Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor.View a list of projects in the Mega Construction Project Program.Learn more about OFCCP.

Published at April 25, 2024 at 05:00AM
Read more at https://dol.gov