SAXONBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro, recently voiced a bold new directive that has become the topic of many a watercooler conversation across the state. The directive, announced during his visit to the Pennsylvania Laborers Training Center in Butler County, will have all Commonwealth agencies under his jurisdiction evaluate and enforce the appropriate use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on Commonwealth projects. This change has the potential to fundamentally shift the way the Commonwealth operates, particularly concerning large scale construction endeavors.
In simple terms, a Project Labor Agreement is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for all labor on a construction project. This includes both union and non-union labor, ensuring no discrimination in the contracting process. The Governor’s new PLA guidance has been described as a “new roadmap” for how the Commonwealth’s projects are managed in the future.
But why are PLAs so important? They offer a consistent supply of skilled labor, set wages and benefits upfront, and frequently result in major construction projects being completed on time, or even early, and within budget. PLAs have a proven track record of success across the country, and now, Pennsylvania is set to harness this model to further invigorate its own construction sector.
Under this new guidance, Commonwealth agencies will be directed to evaluate each contract solicitation to determine if a PLA is appropriate. This ensures that the public contracting processes for these solicitations are not only completed efficiently but also in a timely manner. This method supports the successful completion of capital projects without burdening Pennsylvania taxpayers.
Furthermore, the directive encourages the use of PLAs on all future projects, provided the project showcases a specific need and urgency, complexity, or a lack of readily available skilled labor.
Effective from April 1, 2024, this directive has added weight as it comes directly from the Governor, affecting all Commonwealth agencies under his jurisdiction. The Department of General Services (DGS), under the leadership of Secretary Reggie McNeil, will work together with all Commonwealth agencies to proactively attach PLAs to contract solicitations.
The overall implications of this directive are vast, impacting the efficiency of project completion, the experience of workers, and the cost to taxpayers. The Shapiro Administration believes that this new PLA guidance will help ensure large capital projects are completed quickly and effectively while being fair to Pennsylvania taxpayers. This move strengthens Pennsylvania’s economy and infrastructure, empowers local workers, and elevates labor standards across the state.
This initiative is not just a win-win for the construction industry but also for the citizens of Pennsylvania, creating more opportunities for local workers and businesses. From the perspective of people employed within the industry such as Mandy Daughtry, a second-year laborer apprentice, this new directive is vital as it will empower future apprentices and workers with the opportunity to earn good wages and provide for their families.
In a time of economic uncertainty and rapid development, Governor Shapiro’s directive offers a promising solution for managing Pennsylvania’s infrastructure needs. By utilizing PLAs, the state can complete capital projects efficiently and inclusively, while maintaining the integrity of the procurement practices and attracting top-tier vendors eager to work with the Commonwealth. This is a significant step towards creating a brighter future for Pennsylvania’s workers and economy.
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