Many construction workers are criticizing an executive order issued last week by President Obama which sets guidelines for determining work rules, wages, and benefits prior to granting government construction contracts. Two industry trade groups are concerned that this could significantly narrow the number of workers to be hired for government jobs. More specifically, workers are worried contracts will be restricted to union workers. Unions are backing the measure, and a White House spokesman defended the order saying that project labor agreements create a smoother process and more efficient use of taxpayer dollars. The construction trade groups disagree, alleging the agreements will raise costs and discourage some firms from bidding for government jobs. Around 84% of the construction industry is not unionized.
See Dana Hedgpeth, The Washington Post, February 11, 2009