Electrical Alliance members are celebrating an exciting win for union workers and local families. The Washington Commanders football team will be returning to DC, which means a massive construction project for their arena is in store.
Members of the Electrical Alliance and our union allies helped achieve this landmark labor agreement, which passed after lengthy discussions within the DC Council.
As WUSA9 writes, “After weeks of debate, lots of back and forth with the Commanders and two public hearings, the DC Council voted Friday in favor of the RFK Stadium deal proposed by Council Chair Phil Mendelson.”
Estimated at $3.8 billion, the project is expected to generate hundreds of good-paying union jobs during the construction and development phases. It also requires that at least 51% of the workforce come from DC, ensuring that local workers directly benefit from the investment.
Mark Clouse, the Washington Commanders president, made the announcement in a statement. “We are proud to announce that we have reached a historic labor agreement with our union partners,” Clouse said. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to creating good-paying, union jobs and ensuring that this project uplifts the working families who help support our communities.”
Partnerships with UNITE HERE Locals 25 and 23, the Baltimore-DC Building Trades, 32BJ SEIU, and the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO all helped bring this victory across the finish line. Together, these organizations made the case that quality work, fair wages, and community benefits go hand-in-hand.
The deal guarantees Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and Labor Peace Agreements (LPAs) not only on the new stadium, but also on the hotels and other developments surrounding it. Previously, the team had committed to a PLA only for the stadium and one hotel. This expanded agreement reflects a stronger, broader commitment to union labor and local hiring.
This high-profile project shows what’s possible when labor, business, and government collaborate to invest in people. For our member contractors, it’s a chance to showcase top-tier electrical work on one of the region’s most visible developments while strengthening the pipeline of union-trained talent for the coming years.
“We’re proud to help bring the Commanders back to DC,” said Joe Dabbs, Electrical Alliance board member. “This agreement will electrify the local economy and give our members and contractors a chance to shine on one of the region’s biggest stages.”
