Georgia Becomes the 16th State to Ban Government-Mandated PLAs on Public Construction Projects
On May 6, 2013, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed S.B. 179, which will prohibit government entities in the state from requiring contractors to sign a project labor agreement (PLA) or other agreements with labor unions as a condition of performing work on public construction projects. This new law will ensure that taxpayers get the best [...]
WSJ Editorial Applauds Gov. Christie for Veto of Pro-Project Labor Agreement Bill
The Wall Street Journal published an editorial praising New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s (R) veto of legislation (S. 2425) expanding New Jersey’s ability to mandate union-favoring project labor agreements (PLAs) on taxpayer-funded projects like roads, bridges, water treatment facilities and other large-scale infrastructure projects (WSJ editorial, “Sandy’s Union Blowback: Christie keeps veto promise,” 4/16/13): New Jersey [...]
Gov. Christie Vetoes Bill Expanding Project Labor Agreements in New Jersey
Today New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) vetoed legislation (S. 2425) expanding the ability of public entities in New Jersey to mandate discriminatory and costly project project labor agreements (PLAs) onto taxpayer-funded contracts to rebuild New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy. According to the Governor’s website [emphasis added]: “Governor Christie vetoed S-2425 because it could negatively impact efforts [...]
Gov. Christie Poised to Take Action on PLA Expansion Legislation
Last week, the New Jersey Senate ended its legislative recess. This procedural move forces Gov. Chris Christie (R) to sign or veto legislation in the next couple of days that would greatly expand the ability of public entities to require contractors to sign wasteful and discriminatory project labor agreements (PLAs) as a condition of performing [...]
Georgia Open Competition for Public Contracting Language Still Alive
Despite a setback last week, a bill in Georgia containing language to ban government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs) and other requirements that force contractors to abide by Big Labor’s demands as a condition of being awarded taxpayer-funded construction projects could be on the move. If enacted, this language would prevent PLA mandates in Georgia – [...]
Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Blasts Project Labor Agreement Schemes on New Jersey and Federally Funded Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction
The Wall Street Journal editorial board blasted anti-competitive and costly government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs) on New Jersey and federally funded Hurricane Sandy reconstruction projects (Sandy’s Union Windfall: Obama steers relief money to Big Labor. Where’s Gov. Christie, 2/14/13). Learn how lawmakers engaged in PLA cronyism will increase costs to taxpayers and hurt Hurricane Sandy reconstruction.
Unions and Union Contractors Oppose Government-Mandated Project Labor Agreements in New Jersey
An alliance of union and merit shop construction industry stakeholders are opposed to legislation expanding the scope of project labor agreement (PLA) mandates on New Jersey construction projects. They are taking steps to prevent A3679 from passing the Assembly or getting signed into law by Gov. Christie and need your help.
ABC Michigan Urges Federal Appeals Court to Uphold Michigan Fair and Open Competition Law
Michigan Gov. Snyder’s office has appealed both of the district court’s rulings against Michigan’s anti-PLA mandate laws to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. ABC and ABC of Michigan have submitted an amicus brief in support of the Governor’s appeal, joined by the National Federation of Independent Business and National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.
ABC Member Tells The Truth About Government-Mandated Project Labor Agreements on Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding
Here’s an update on the controversial New Jersey legislation that would allow union-only mandates on post-Hurricane Sandy construction projects. Yesterday afternoon, Fox News Channel’s Megyn Kelly interviewed ABC Northeast Region Chair Kirby Wu about the potential for union-favoring government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs) on Hurricane Sandy cleanup projects due to NJ Senate bill 2425. Besides serving as [...]
Pro-PLA Legislation Moving in New Jersey. Will Gov. Christie Uphold his Campaign Pledge?
Note: This post has been updated to include video of Fox News Channel story and NY Post editorial.
In New Jersey, legislation is moving quickly through the State Legislature that would expand the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) mandated by NJ government officials. Many wonder whether Gov. Christie will uphold his campaign pledge to oppose PLA mandates, or if election year politics and the recent outreach to Gov. Christie by organized labor will trump good policy.