The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority (Port of Cleveland) approved a resolution to adopt and approve a Workforce, Inclusion, Equity & Wages Policy to increase access to jobs, community engagement and appropriate funds for the establishment of a Port Community Investment Fund (PCIF). The new policy consists of four main focus areas:
Empowering Minority & Female Business Participation
The Port will define MBE & FBE participation goals for:
• Bond Financings and eligible Port Service Contracts: 30% overall participation and 15% minority best efforts
• Port Construction Projects: Goals to be set during annual budget process
Embracing Workforce Demographics
The Port will actively encourage diversity reflecting local demographics for, Bond Financing, Port Construction Projects and Port Service Contracts.
Establishing Fair Wages
The Port will require Prevailing Wage unless exemption granted for: Bond Financings and Port Construction Projects. Also, for all Port Service Contracts, there will be a required minimum hourly rate of $15 per hour.
Founding the Port Community Investment Fund (PCIF)
In effort to spur broader and more equitable participation in Port and maritime sector jobs, the Port of Cleveland will:
• Appropriate 10% of the previous year's annual bond issuance fees annually
• As example, funding in for the PCIF in 2018 would have been approximately $200,000 based on the annual bond issuances fees from 2017
This fund will be managed in collaboration with community leaders to award grants or invest in educational, training and other programs contributing to the overarching community goals of the PCIF.
"I commend the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Board of Directors for passing this re-markable resolution to establish a policy that focuses on engaging our community in a deeper manner as it relates to inclusivity, equality and education within Port and maritime sector jobs, David J. Wondolowski, Board Member, Port of Cleveland and Executive Secretary & Business Manager of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council.
This is a step in the right direction for the economic vitality that we all strive for here in Cleveland., the new policy will allow the Port of Cleveland to continue serving as an engine for job creation and now as a catalyst to spur broader and more equitable work opportunities in Cuyahoga County," said Darrell L. McNair, Board Member & Chair, Port of Cleveland and President & CEO, MVP Plastics Corporation.
"This is a very important moment for the Board as we look toward the future of Cleveland - protect-ing the rights of skilled workers in Cuyahoga County and creating a more inclusive and equitable community," said Wondolowski.
More Info: https://http;//www.portofcleveland.com
