PLAs severely limit opportunity for local businesses and workers. More than 90% of D.C. construction workers choose not to affiliate with a union. PLAs would effectively exclude them from the very projects their tax dollars help fund. PLAs allow union hiring halls to discriminate against DC workers by prioritizing their out-of-state members. This not only blocks D.C. residents from job opportunities but severely limits participation by local Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), which cannot sign PLAs without risking financial ruin.
Supporters of PLA mandates also point to wage and benefit increases under these agreements. However, PLAs are not needed to ensure specified wage and benefit levels, as they are set by the federal Davis-Bacon law, and contractors on DC jobs must submit certified payrolls to the Department of Employment Services.
PLAs are not pro-worker, not pro-local business, and do not encourage positive economic development. These agreements unnecessarily increase project costs, reduce affordable housing output, and undercut the economic inclusion goals the District aims to achieve. Public dollars and opportunity are maximized through free and open competition on public procurements.
Contact your city council member today and urge them to oppose broad PLA mandates and protect a competitive, inclusive environment for D.C. contractors and workers.