The City of Alexandria announced its first-ever project labor agreement (PLA) last week, taking a major step forward in committing to high-quality jobs, workforce investment and community-focused development.
The agreement — signed between Grunley Construction Company, Inc. and the Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council (BDCBT) — covers the renovation of Alexandria City Hall, Market Square Plaza and an underground garage.
“This Project Labor Agreement is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in people,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “We’re making sure Alexandria’s most iconic civic space is built by skilled union workers who earn strong wages, receive real benefits and have a voice on the job. It reflects our commitment to equal opportunity and excellence in public service for our community.”
“We’re making sure Alexandria’s most iconic civic space is built by skilled union workers who earn strong wages, receive real benefits and have a voice on the job.”
– Alexandria Mayor Mayor Alyia Gaskins
“We’re making sure Alexandria’s most iconic civic space is built by skilled union workers who earn strong wages, receive real benefits and have a voice on the job.”
– Alexandria Mayor Mayor Alyia Gaskins
Alexandria City Hall. Photo: City of Alexandria.
In summarizing the agreement at a Sept. 9 city council meeting, Alexandria City Manager James Parajon outlined key benefits of the PLA, including:
- A stable and skilled workforce.
- A coordinated approach to project scheduling and labor needs.
- Full compliance with health & safety and labor standards.
- Opportunities for local building trades workers and local businesses.
- Training, apprenticeship and job opportunities for Alexandria residents.
- Reduced risk of delays thanks to dispute resolution mechanisms.
“This is truly a landmark agreement for the city,” added Parajon. “And not just in how we deliver capital projects, but how we partner with labor to uplift our workforce and community.”
Alexandria City Hall, built in 1871, will undergo structural repairs, infrastructure modernization, technology upgrades and improved accessibility and security as part of the project. Market Square, which has been a local gathering place since 1749, will stay intact and the adjacent parking garage will be redesigned and renovated.
“This PLA reflects an investment both in the infrastructure of the City of Alexandria, and in the people of this community.”
– Greg Akerman, President, Baltimore-DC Building Trades Council
“This PLA reflects an investment both in the infrastructure of the City of Alexandria, and in the people of this community.”
– Greg Akerman, President, Baltimore-DC Building Trades Council
“This PLA reflects an investment both in the infrastructure of the City of Alexandria, and in the people of this community,” said BDCBT President Greg Akerman, “setting standards for employment, providing worker protections and guaranteeing family-supporting wages and benefits.”
Grunley Construction will manage all construction activity on the project, which is slated to begin in January 2026. Grunley President Chip Scott also touted the benefits of a PLA for all parties:
“With it, we can champion a highly skilled workforce, strengthen partnerships with local trades and businesses, and maintain a competitive edge in our industry.”
At the Sept. 9 council meeting, Mayor Gaskins thanked all who helped pull the agreement together, She then concluded by reiterating how the PLA reflects an investment in the local workforce.
“Workers are the most important part of our community,” said Gaskins. “I think what our project labor agreement signals is not only a commitment to wages and benefits, but a commitment to worker voice, a commitment to opportunities.”
A conceptual design for Alexandria’s Market Square in front of City Hall. Image: City of Alexandria.