Taking a Vote on Union Construction
Some construction associations are trying to end the practice of project labor agreements, which has companies negotiate with unions before signing a contract on a project. The agreements ensure pension and health coverage for workers and include no-strike clauses. Proponents of the agreements say that the agreements help projects come in on time, on budget and smooth the construction process. Opponents say that the projects increase costs and are unfair. Many major corporations like Toyota use project labor agreements for construction projects, and President Obama encouraged federal agencies to use agreements on projects of more than $25 million. Opponents are working their way through municipalities, putting initiatives on the ballot in California to try and end the practice of project labor agreements.
See "Taking a Vote on Union Construction", Steven Greenhouse, The New York Times, October 14, 2010