Rep. Smith Statement on President Biden's Executive Order to Require PLAs in Federal Construction Projects

WASHINGTON, DC - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after President Biden signed an Executive Order that will require federally funded construction projects over $35 million to use project labor agreements (PLAs), which are pre-hiring collective bargaining agreements, with one or more union organizations.

"I have long advocated for greater utilization of project labor agreements in federal contracts, and today President Biden took a significant action with his executive order to support American workers. PLAs have immense benefits for the government, taxpayers, and our workers, as well as a proven record of raising workplace standards. These agreements reduce the level of uncertainty associated with these large-scale projects - like cost increases and schedule delays - while ensuring that our skilled workforce secures good pay, benefits, and job conditions for these important projects. I am glad the Biden-Harris administration took concrete action to ensure broader implementation of PLAs and I will continue to advocate for the expansion of this tool in the federal government."