Project Labor Agreements
A tool to ensure projects finish on time and on budget
PLAs allow employers and unions to negotiate terms of employment, including pay, benefits, hours, leave and safety policies. Employers can resolve issues at the bargaining level rather than through conflict, which ensures labor peace and reduces employee turnover by promoting open communication and job security.
What are the benefits of PLAs?
Academic research has shown that PLAs are good for construction projects, particularly larger projects.
Project Labor Agreements do not adversely affect construction project costs; rather, they positively influence project timeliness, quality, safety, training, minority employment, employee benefits and labor peace.
They are a great tool to ensure a project is finished on time and on budget.
Who uses PLAs?
For decades, Project Labor Agreements have been used in both the private and public sectors.
Throughout Pennsylvania, including the greater Harrisburg region, they have become a popular choice for project owners and general contractors to not only keep a project on budget, but to also make sure the work is completed on time.
PLAs have been used to build everything from industrial and manufacturing facilities to hospitals, stadiums, high-rises, recreation centers and safety centers.
Project Labor Agreement Studies
Do not simply take our word for it about the benefits of Project Labor Agreements. Read some of the latest studies that show Project Labor Agreements are good for all parties involved.
The Impacts of Project Labor Agreements on Costs, Competition and Contractors in Illinois
Evidence from Capital Development Board Projects
Commissioned by the Illinois Capital Development Board, the study found that PLAs enhanced bid competition in Illinois, helped to lower construction costs for taxpayers and increased business for firms owned by people of color, women and veterans.
Project Labor Agreements: A Research Review
The Impacts of Project Labor Agreements on Competition, Costs, Apprenticeships and Diversity
This Illinois Economic Policy Institute study showed that PLAs have no effect on bid competition or construction costs while boosting apprenticeship training and expanding opportunities to people from historically underrepresented communities.
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