Richmond, VA – In a letter signed by 41 members of the House Democratic Caucus, members have asked Governor Northam to “support the use of PLA’s and mandate or incentivize them for large construction projects funded under the Public-Private Transportation Act” until such time as the General Assembly formally repeals the prohibition against Project Labor Agreements (PLA’s). This would include projects such as Route 66, the 395 and I-95 Express Lanes, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion and future state projects such as the 495 HOT lanes expansion.
“Keeping our skilled laborforce local, highly-trained and well paid is the best thing we could do for hardworking residents of this Communwealth and for our economy as a whole. Project Labor Agreements will make this our realty in Virginia.” said Del. Paul Krizek (D-Mt. Vernon), who serves as the House Democratic Caucus Labor Liaison.
PLA’s do not prohibit non-union contractors from complying and winning work, but they make sure workers are paid a livable wage, are well trained and drug free. By ensuring that the workforce is well trained and well paid, the Commonwealth can send a strong signal to contractors not to cut corners with critical infrastructure projects.
You can see the letter here: http://bit.ly/2tdxeBv