[NYguy]

http://www.globest.com/news/1420_142.../178945-1.html

Under terms of the PLA, unions have accepted work rule changes including no strikes or work stoppages; a standard eight-hour workday and 40-hour work week; overtime at time-and-a-half; eight common holidays; flexible starting times and lunch breaks; maximum utilization of apprentices at training wages; and strict adherence to safety rules and a standard of excellence for performance. The BTEA and unionized contractors have agreed to the following terms: no lock-outs; reduced and frozen wages for management personnel; fringe benefits and bonus reductions; reduced profit margins; reduced material and supply costs, to be passed onto owners; and improved project management and efficiency.

The agreement will be made available to private projects at risk from May 29, 2009 through June 30, 2010, and any project approved during this period can be built under these terms and conditions for the full schedule of the project, even if work continues after June 30 of next year. "The BCTC and BTEA will determine if the PLA will be extended and made available to projects starting after June 30, 2010 based on economic performance in the coming year," according to a release.

Along with Beekman Tower, some of the other projects citywide that will be moving forward under the PLA include 80 Dekalb Ave., Tower 111, 150 Amsterdam Ave., 200 and 300 North End Ave., the Milford Plaza Hotel, a Hunter College project and and St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, among several others.