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Project Labor Agreements

Project labor agreements are negotiated as exceptions to the existing collective bargaining agreement. As the name suggests, their duration is for the life a particular construction project. They are typically implemented on large projects in order to standardize terms and conditions of employment among various work crews, crafts and employers. Language attempts to address common concerns of owners, contractors and labor. The following are typical provisions:

	Safety in all phases of work
	No disruptions of owner’s work
	Performance on schedule
	Cost effective and quality craftsmanship
	Productivity flexibility
	A trained and available workforce
	Attainable work opportunities
	Resolution process for job site issues

Occasionally, in conjunction with organizing, a local union will initiate a project agreement with a contractor as a “try it and see” inducement. The ultimate goal is to sign the contractor to the standard contract, so such an agreement should be thought of as a temporary expedient. Project labor agreements are common but an executive order issued by President Bush in 2001, restricts the use of union only agreements for federal construction.

DC District Court decision (PDF file)

DC Appeals Court decision (PDF file)