Perceptions and influence of project labor agreements on merit shop contractors

Abstract

This research provides a three part review of the impact PLAs have had on the construction industry. A review of several legal challenges nation- wide is conducted to determine if precedence for the use of PLAs has been established at the state and local levels. An analysis of claims by organized labor that union contractors are more capable, provide better quality, safer and cheaper construction than non-union contractors is conducted. Finally, a survey conducted on merit shop contractors (predominantly non-union) in the western Washington area is analyzed to determine the perceptions of local contractors toward the use of PLAs and the impact that their use has created