Senate Bill 984 is currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate Governmental Organization committee, and your voice is needed to oppose this harmful legislation. The bill will mandate project labor agreements on state and state-assisted major construction projects procured by state agencies of $35 million or more in total cost.

We oppose PLAs because: 

• They are discriminatory against nonunion construction and minority contractors.
  • PLAs discriminate against 85% of California’s nonunion construction industry workers from rebuilding their communities.
  • Minority contractors are often unable to comply with PLA requirements and do not submit bids.
• Apprentices from Unilateral Apprenticeship Committee programs are excluded.
  • Provisions in PLA’s require contractors to use apprentices only from Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee programs, excluding those who participate in Unilateral Apprenticeship Training Committee programs.
• PLAs drive up costs.
  • Studies have found PLAs increase construction costs by 12% to 20%, especially for local school and community college districts.

PLA mandates unfairly discourage competition from quality, qualified nonunion contractors and their employees and apprentices (who choose not to join a union), and who contribute over $1.83 billion in state income taxes. State investment in construction must ensure opportunity for all Californians, regardless of labor affiliation.

Contact the committee members today and urge them to oppose SB 984 and allow all California construction professionals to participate in public construction projects in their own communities.