Dominion Energy Virginia, the NABTU building union federation and state affiliate Virginia Building Trades have committed to the participation of a unionised workforce in the construction of the up to 2600MW Coastal Virginia offshore wind farm off the US east coast.
The agreement also commits to using local workers, hiring apprenticeship and training of veterans, and the use of workers from historically economically disadvantaged communities.
Dominion Energy will work collaboratively with NABTU and its affiliates on tripartite discussions with the project’s suppliers to promote project labour agreements to maximise union labour performance.
This covers onshore electrical infrastructure work, turbine pre-assembly work and offshore work.
For the offshore work in particular, the parties will work together to identify the skills training, and schedule necessary to accelerate an offshore wind US union construction workforce, Dominion said.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said: “This agreement is another important step forward in making Virginia the nation’s leader in clean energy and offshore wind.
“It’s good news to see more well-paying clean energy jobs on the way.
“Once again, Virginia companies and labour groups together are demonstrating that the Commonwealth is a great place to work and do business.”
Dominion Energy president and chief executive Robert Blue said: “Clean energy jobs are a critical sector driving Virginia’s economy, particularly in Hampton Roads where CVOW is anchored.
“Union workers’ commitment to safety and excellence are important values which make them a crucial component to the offshore wind workforce.
“We’re proud to work with NABTU to expand a skilled domestic workforce for offshore wind development, give our customers access to more renewable energy, develop a domestic supply chain for offshore wind and continue to position Virginia as the best state to do business in America.”
NABTU president Sean McGarvey said: “Today’s partnership represents another pivotal moment in generating viable career pathways for our members and all energy sector workers to flourish in the clean energy economy.
“Our highly trained men and women professionals have the best craft skills in the world and are the most qualified workforce to perform the onshore and offshore work on this great Coastal Virginia wind project.
“We commend Dominion Energy for their collaboration with us on this endeavour to advance middle class workforce development, increase high-skilled energy jobs and secure the offshore wind industry for the future.”
Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council president Jason Parker said: “The Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council is pleased to be partnered with Dominion Energy on expanding our energy portfolio as we continue to work toward a sustainable future as good stewards of our state, nation and planet.
“This new industry will create careers and opportunities for the working families of Virginia, and the Virginia Building Trades takes great satisfaction to be using our training and expertise to help develop our fellow Virginians into a modernised workforce for a modernised energy industry.”