Project Labor Agreements/Community Workforce Agreements (PLAs/CWAs) are exclusive construction and development contracts developed between a client, typically public agencies, and labor unions for the development of projects such as prisons, schools, hospitals, police and fire stations. Because of the exclusive nature of these contracts, PLAs/CWAs prevent the vast majority of local contractors and small business owners from competing for and winning construction project contracts.
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) create barriers for local, minority and women-owned construction employers and their employees from participating in building their community because they contain provisions that do not allow for the full utilization of their own workforces.
Studies show that PLAs increase project costs – anywhere from 10-30% because they restrict competition. Open competition is healthy and increases quality. It levels the playing field and local money is invested into the community.
Project Labor Agreements exclude the men, women, and veterans who have chosen to enter into state approved, unilateral apprenticeship training programs in pursuit of a construction career from the opportunity to work and gain the invaluable on-the-job training experience that provides stability for them, their family and their community.
