Labor Relations: Oakland

The new development agreement (Advisory, November 21,2017) between the Port of Oakland and CenterPoint Properties for a Seaport Logistics Complex prioritizes employing workers from nearby neighborhoods.

 

The deal gives nearby residents first crack at jobs, with emphasis on hiring disadvantaged workers.  There’s also a job-training component to help develop the local labor pool.

 

"Community leaders, CenterPoint and the Port demonstrated how large-scale development deals can offer shared benefit to our neighboring community, empower local residents and strengthen our economy," said Amy Tharpe, the port’s social responsibility director. "The goal is to level the playing field and provide community members, regardless of perceived barriers, with priority

access to jobs and opportunity."

 

Key aspects of the job agreement:

• Living wages and benefits for workers
• Priority consideration for unemployed individuals, armed forces veterans, single parents, ex-offenders and foster care adults
• A ban on asking applicants about prior criminal offenses

Port and CenterPoint officials said the Seaport Logistics Complex project would create hundreds of construction and ongoing warehouse-type operations jobs.