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Recently, unionstats.com released their latest counts for participation in construction labor unions. We learned that in Wisconsin, 8 out of every 10 construction worker chooses to work for a merit shop, and not a union.
Merit shops value open competition, cross training of employees, safety and building opportunities for the full team. When the federal government requires Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for participation in federal projects, the majority of the construction workforce is left out. This is even more problematic because we know the construction industry faces a severe labor shortage. It also carries a high price tag for all taxpayer investments in infrastructure.
ABC of Wisconsin opposes PLAs, because they exclude the majority of Wisconsin workers who have proven their ability to build our roads, bridges and schools efficiently and safely but do not belong to a union. These same workers live in Wisconsin communities, pay local taxes, and should be permitted to compete for the jobs created in our state.
Our political leaders should promote fair and open competition because that will deliver high quality infrastructure projects at the best price for taxpayers. Policies that respect workerchoice—whether unionized or not—and enable all contractors to compete on an equal footing will enhance the value of federal tax dollars for all Wisconsinites. Learn more at BuildAmericaLocal.com.
By John Schulze, Director of Government Affairs, ABC of Wisconsin
