Project Labor Agreements in New York State: In the Public Interest [March 2009]
by Fred B. Kotler, J.D, Associate Director, Construction Industry Program
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Cornell University
http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/reports/22/
or
http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=reports
[full-text, 36 pages]
Abstract
It is especially challenging in these tough economic times for officials within New York City’s and New York State’s many entities to decide how best to use public money for construction and renovation projects. This article is intended to serve as a resource to help officials make better informed decisions about the value of project labor agreements [PLAs]. It also encourages readers to see PLA use within broader objectives of sound public policy.
PLAs have been demonstrated to be a very useful construction management tool for cost savings, for on-time, on-budget, and quality construction. But PLAs are not necessarily appropriate for every project. This report reviews the background and legal standards for the appropriate use of PLAs on public works projects in New York City and State. It details what PLAs do, how they have been used, and the benefits they offer benefits that extend to workforce and economic development.
This report also tests the validity of the claims made by PLA opponents that PLAs drive-up construction costs. Focus is on the studies conducted in recent years by the Beacon Hill Institute, a particularly outspoken opponent of PLA use in both the public and private sectors.
Suggested Citation
Kotler, F. B. (2009). Project labor agreements in New York State: In the public interest [Electronic version]. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations Extension Division, Construction Industry Program.
http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/reports/22/
IWS Documented News Service
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Institute for Workplace Studies----------------- Professor Samuel B. Bacharach
School of Industrial & Labor Relations-------- Director, Institute for Workplace Studies
Cornell University
16 East 34th Street, 4th floor---------------------- Stuart Basefsky
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