In response to President Biden’s government-mandated Project Labor Agreements (PLA) Executive Order, Congress introduced the AGC-supported Fair and Open Competition Act, which would preserve open competition and federal government neutrality towards the labor relations of contractors on federal and federally funded construction projects.

On February 27, members of Congress introduced the AGC-backed Fair and Open Competition Act, H.R. 1209/S. 537, which would preserve open competition and federal government neutrality towards the labor relations of contractors on federal and federally funded construction projects.

The bill would not broadly prohibit all project labor agreements (PLAs). A firm can still voluntarily enter into a PLA. The bill is in response to attempts by federal agencies to encourage or mandate contractors to sign a PLA as a condition of winning a federal or federally assisted construction contract and from implementing a preference policy for bids with a PLA.

A February 4, 2022 Executive Order from President Biden seeks to impose project labor agreements on federal construction projects valued at $35 million or more. AGC expects a final rule implementing the Executive Order to be issued shortly.   

AGC has deep concerns over the proposal from the Biden Administration and is encouraging Congress to support the Fair and Open Competition Act. AGC members can provide their support and encourage their elected officials to support the legislation here. For more information on PLA, please go to the AGC website.