PLA/CWA/PSAs are agreed upon before a project is bid, so all contractors and subcontractors will know exactly what to expect on the project and can cooperate to reach common goals. Successful bidders - whether union or non-union - have access to workers for the project through the union referral system. The referral system ensures that all workers have top-notch training in safety and the crafts, which prevents costly mistakes and accidents.

Communicty Workforce Agreements are crafted to address the specific needs of the project and the community, and may include provisions for local hiring, minority and at-risk targeted training programs, minority-owned small businesses, apprenticeship ratios, scheduling, work rules, safety, cost-containment, management rights and specialized procedures. They also enable community groups and schools to partner with local unions to connect people from low-income neighborhoods with training and careers in the building trades.

Click here to read a Cost Benefit Analysis for State and Local Governments

For more information on Project Labor Agreements, please visit the website www.PLAsWork.org.