Biden Administration Announces New Rule Requiring Project Labor Agreements
The Biden administration announced Monday many large-scale federal construction projects will now require collective bargaining agreements. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, General Services Administrator Robin Carnahan, and Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director for Management Jason Miller made the announcement in Cleveland.
The new rule, which requires “Project Labor Agreements,” will be put in place for federal construction projects that are a total estimated cost of $35 million or more. The agreements will require all parties — contractors, subcontractors and unions — to negotiate set terms that govern project construction.
In a statement, SMART union said they “applaud the Biden-Harris administration for fulfilling its promise to our members, and for prioritizing the working men and women who are building our nation. We look forward to taking on the core infrastructure projects of the future.”
President Joe Biden said the new rule is part of his administration’s efforts to “do everything we can to build a better America.”
“For the first time in history, Project Labor Agreements will be required on federal construction projects valued at or above $35 million,” Biden said in a statement. “This means that projects funded by my Investing in America agenda will move faster and without delays, giving taxpayers better bang for their buck. Workers will have the security and peace of mind that collectively bargained wages and benefits bring, better pathways to good-paying jobs, and stronger health and safety protections.”