Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) and a bipartisan group of representatives sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to continue the use of project labor agreements in future federal construction projects as a tool to raise wages for workers and save taxpayers funds.

“We respect your extensive knowledge of building and construction projects in the private sector and look forward to your future proposals for federal projects,” the letter states. “As you begin to plan out your administration’s priorities, we ask that you keep all contracting options in consideration, including Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). Federal construction projects are massive undertakings and can often take years just to be authorized. Given the cost and complications of these projects, no construction management tool, such as PLAs, should be prohibited.”

Project labor agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining contracts with one or more labor organizations that establish the terms and conditions of employment for a construction project. PLAs provide structure and stability to large-scale construction projects, which promotes the efficient completion of construction contracts.

In 2009, President Obama signed an executive order encouraging executive agencies to consider requiring the use of project labor agreements in connection with large-scale construction projects in order to promote efficiency in federal procurement. The letter is in response to special interest groups calling on the president to rescind the order. In encouraging President Trump to continue the practice, the members pointed out that his own businesses have benefited from the use of PLAs.

“Several of your company’s projects in New York and New Jersey have used PLAs, including the Trump National Club House in Briarcliff, NY, Trump Plaza in New Rochelle, NY, and the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, NJ. Many other companies in the private sector, including Disney, Toyota, and General Motors, utilize PLAs,” they wrote the president. “The federal government should not be barred from using such a popular instrument of construction management.”

After signing the letter, Congressman Norcross said, “Having worked as an IBEW electrician, I saw firsthand how project labor agreements benefit workers and contractors. The best developers use PLAs to save money and increase efficiency – the federal government should have access to the same tools.  PLAs will save taxpayer funds and help American workers by creating greater opportunities, increasing job security and raising wages.”

In addition to his experience working as an IBEW electrician and serving as president of the Southern New Jersey Build Trades Council, Norcross has built a reputation as a national leader on labor issues in Congress. He serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee, introduced legislation that would incrementally raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, fought the Trans-Pacific Partnership and formed the bipartisan Building Trades Caucus, which is bringing Republicans and Democrats together to educate members on the unique nature of policies that affect the building trades.  

The letter was co-signed by Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), David McKinley (R-WV), Peter King (R-NY) and Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ). A full copy of the letter can be read below, and a signed pdf version is available, here.

Dear President Trump,

We write you today as a bipartisan coalition of Members of Congress who wish to work with you towards our common goals of improving the nation’s infrastructure and growing our economy. Federal construction projects often accomplish both of these objectives—building new military bases or hospitals for our service members and veterans, while generating high-paying jobs in the area. We respect your extensive knowledge of building and construction projects in the private sector and look forward to your future proposals for federal projects.

As you begin to plan out your administration’s priorities, we ask that you keep all contracting options in consideration, including Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). Federal construction projects are massive undertakings and can often take years just to be authorized. Given the cost and complications of these projects, no construction management tool, such as PLAs, should be prohibited.

Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) have been utilized in some of the federal government’s largest infrastructure projects, including the Hoover Dam. Projects that use PLAs often avoid delays or disruptions as the wages and hours for workers are determined before construction begins. Working families are better able to make plans for their households when they know they have a stable schedule and consistent pay. PLAs help ensure compliance with workplace health and safety laws, keeping the construction workforce fit and able for the duration of a project. Since many projects that use a PLA employ apprentices, these agreements play a critical role in developing a well-trained, highly skilled workforce.

In your home state of New York, the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) has been encouraged on construction projects since 1997, under both Republican and Democratic governors. Several of your company’s projects in New York and New Jersey have used PLAs, including the Trump National Club House in Briarcliff, NY, Trump Plaza in New Rochelle, NY, and the Trump Taj Mahal. Many other companies in the private sector, including Disney, Toyota, and General Motors, utilize PLAs. The federal government should not be barred from using such a popular instrument of construction management.

We look forward to working with your administration on an infrastructure package to improve our nations’ roads and bridges and to create good jobs for the middle-class. Again, we ask that you keep all contracting choices, including Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), available to the federal government.

Sincerely,

Representative Donald Norcross

Representative Derek Kilmer

Representative Kathleen Rice

Representative David McKinley

Representative Peter King

Representative Frank LoBiondo

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