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Project Labor Agreements

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1. What factors are considered when using a Project Labor Agreement?

When considering whether to use a PLA, the City determines whether doing so would advance its interests as a project owner. Relevant criteria for considering whether to use a PLA on a particular project include:

Size, cost, and duration of the job;
Impact of delays;
Amount of construction projects in the area competing for skilled workers;
The number of local collective bargaining agreements that will expire during the project;
Number of crafts in the geographic area;
Whether a majority of successful bidders on prior projects were union employers;
Whether using a PLA will affect the City's Vendor Outreach Program goals.

2. What criteria does the City require to be included ina PLA?

• The PLA is binding on all contractors and establishes uniform job conditions;
• The PLA sets forth binding procedures for resolving jurisdictional and labor disputes related to alleged violations of the PLA;
• The PLA must contain guarantees against strikes, lock-outs, handbilling, leafleting, and other disruptive actions;
• The PLA must provide that there shall be no discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, or membership or non-membership in a union. For employees that are non union members, becoming a union member shall not be a requirement for employment under the PLA. Any non-union employees will be required to pay appropriate representation fees, not to exceed fees paid by union members. The PLA must provide for hiring from applicable union halls to ensure a supply of highly-skilled employees. The PLA must provide that no discrimination in referrals or employment can be based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, or membership or non-membership in a union;
• The PLA shall not require any contractor to be or become a party to any collective bargaining agreements on any other construction project in order to qualify for work;
• The PLA must require parties to make demonstrable efforts in:
o Achieving workforce diversity reflective of the region and in partnership with employment programs and local, state, or national efforts to strengthen workforce diversity; and
o Maximum use of local and small businesses, and make maximum use of minority, women, and low income persons and businesses which are consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and grant requirements.

3. What are the benefits of using a Project Labor Agreement?

• Help predict labor costs to accurately estimate total project costs
• Promote cost-effective and safe construction by providing properly trained construction laborers
• Integrate standardized work schedules and rules for a well-coordinated and efficient work site
• Assure construction will proceed without staffing shortages, safety incidents, and labor disputes