Senate President Steve Sweeney looks to extend Project Labor Agreements raising state construction costs to taxpayers
January 4th, 2013
Despite objections from business groups and contractors’ associations, the state Senate Budget Committee released a bill sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney that would extend “Project Labor Agreements” to formerly exempt public works construction projects such as highways, bridges, pumping stations, and water and sewage treatment plants.
Commerce and Industry Association ( CIANJ ) opposed the bill (S2425). Studies compiled by the state Department of Labor showed public works projects done with PLAs cost significantly more. PLAs are collective bargaining agreements signed before workers are hired for a specific project. Evan Piscitelli of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association testified that PLAs can adversely impact a project, creating situations where the contractor loses control of the job, resulting in delays. PLAs can also affect the bidding process, hampering competition.
Sweeney disputed contention that it would drive up costs. He also emphasized the bill is not mandatory, merely permissive. The Senate committee voted along party lines to release the bill.
https://www.cianj.org/business-beat/?postid=1813
when you hire some one that is much cheep’er then some one else doing the same work , you wounder what is up . we are not talking about a few bucks. it;s when it;s big money. are they going to cut around a few things. right.