President Biden Mandates Project Labor Agreements on Large Federal Projects

On February 4, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order that requires the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal construction projects valued above $35 million. The Order will help improve timeliness, lower costs, and increase quality in federal construction projects.

For generations, PLAs, or as they are sometimes referred to, Community Workforce Agreements (CWAs), have been a powerful tool in ensuring that both large public and private projects are completed on schedule and within budget. Good jobs are created for skilled building trades workers, including BAC members. PLAs benefit local communities, due to the requirement to meet local hiring goals. They also create valuable career paths for women, people of color, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

“President Biden’s leadership on this issue signals to our industry and the nation that the path to developing a productive and sustainable workforce lies in the equitable treatment of workers across our country,” said President Driscoll in a statement when the executive order was signed. “PLAs are a proven means to develop and promote careers for the next generation of construction workers.”

The Executive Order on Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects can be found here: https://bit.ly/3LlwdO4