Ford, Gilliard focus on jobs

COLUMBIA -- Extra care is being taken to ensure that minorities and women have an equal chance to benefit from Boeing Co.'s expansion in North Charleston.

Sen. Robert Ford and Rep. Wendell Gilliard, both Charleston Democrats whose districts include the Boeing site, continue to work with the aviation giant and general contractor New York-based Turner Construction to make sure equal job opportunities are available for all.

"I wanted to make sure we're at the table for the lasting benefits," said Ford, who is running for governor.

Ford, with Gilliard's help, wrote letters in late October to Boeing and Turner along with BE&K Building Group of Charlotte on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus. The point of the letters was to establish dialogue with the companies on the issue of job opportunities for women and blacks.

Boeing announced in October that it had selected North Charleston as the site for a second Dreamliner jet production line. Boeing is expected to generate 3,800 direct jobs and invest $750 million within seven years.

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Ford and others recently met in the Lowcountry with Turner representatives about creating job training for black vendors. Future meetings are in the works with Turner and members of the Black Caucus and officials in Greenville and Florence, Ford said.

Turner officials did not immediately provide information on the meetings or future job training.

Gilliard said he has assurances that all South Carolina residents will be treated with "dignity and respect" by Boeing and Turner.

"For far too long, minorities have been somewhat neglected," he said. "Here's a genuine opportunity when we can have an impact when it comes to minorities getting their share."

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Ford said he and other officials also have been meeting with Boeing officials on the matter.

The company responded to Ford's October letter by saying that it has a commitment to diversity. The response also detailed top awards Boeing has earned for its treatment of minority workers, disabled employees and those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.