Do PLAs on public projects have special features?
As with any PLA, any qualified contractor can bid to work under a PLA on a public project. Many agreements in the public sector, however, contain special accommodations to make it easier for contractors that do not ordinarily work under collective bargaining agreements to participate on the project. For example, some agreements will permit contractors to bring a certain number of their existing employees onto the worksite, without requiring them to go through the union’s hiring halls. Similarly, as noted above, the provisions of public sector PLAs are commonly only binding on contractors while they are working on that particular project. In addition, as discussed in more detail below, public agencies are looking to PLAs as tools for providing training and career opportunities for community members.
