As a valued member of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance (VTCA), you are well aware of our mission to advocate for fair, competitive, and sustainable practices within the transportation construction industry. Over the next several months, VTCA will publish information on how PLA’s will be a threat to VA’s transportation construction firms as well as its Virginia workers.
Today, we address an emerging challenge that has the potential to significantly impact our industry: the increasing push by some Virginia localities to mandate Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on publicly funded construction projects.
Understanding Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
Project Labor Agreements - commonly known as PLAs - are more complex than people realize and widely misunderstood. Proponents of PLAs often exploit this lack of knowledge. In particular advocates discuss 1) increased worker wages, 2) faster completion times and 3) end to labor strife. Industry knows, due to Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws on transportation projects – minus the Union dues and lack of advancement opportunities, front line workers do not receive the increase in wages and no one can point to speedier schedules due to a PLA and finally to market them as a means to ensure “labor peace” and, more cynically, to benefit local construction workers. However, PLAs do neither. While PLAs are contracts that can differ from project to project, most contain the following three typical requirements that undermine fair competition:
Why This Matters to You
None of these PLA requirements add value for the public, benefit workers, or effectively prevent work stoppages. Instead, they impose additional costs, limit contractor participation, and restrict workforce flexibility—ultimately making public construction projects more expensive and less efficient.
VTCA’s Response: Forming a Coalition
In response to these concerns, VTCA is actively forming a coalition with industry partners and other stakeholders to advocate against mandated PLAs. Our coalition, Virginians for Fairness in Construction & Employee Protection, seeks to promote fair competition and oppose mandates that would disadvantage a large portion of Virginia’s construction industry.
We encourage you to stay informed and engaged on this issue. Please visit Virginians for Fairness to learn more about our coalition's efforts and how you can contribute to this critical initiative. Your voice and involvement are essential as we work to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all contractors across Virginia.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our industry. Together, we can make a difference.