Rep. Smith Statement on President Biden’s Executive Order to Require PLAs in Federal Construction Projects
February 4, 2022
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.”
“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.”
###