March 27, 2024 - Saxonburg, PA
While visiting the Pennsylvania Laborers Training Center in Butler County, Governor Josh Shapiro announced a new directive for all Commonwealth agencies under his jurisdiction to evaluate and implement the appropriate use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on Commonwealth projects. Under the Governor's new guidance, Commonwealth agencies will use PLAs on future projects in every instance when the project meets the following criteria: particular need and urgency; complexity of the project; lack of available qualified labor. In accordance with the Governor's guidance, all agencies will examine each contract solicitation to determine if a PLA is appropriate and allowed - helping to ensure the Commonwealth's public contracting processes for these solicitations are completed in an efficient and timely manner to support the successful completion of capital projects at a fair cost to Pennsylvania taxpayers. "From repairing our roads and bridges, to building homes and businesses, to establishing critical infrastructure that connects and powers our communities, building trades workers do the hard work that strengthens our infrastructure and grows our economy. I respect that work," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "Today, I am issuing a new directive to Commonwealth agencies for the appropriate use of Project Labor Agreements. PLAs guarantee a steady, consistent supply of workers with the right skills to get the job done and set wages and benefits for all workers up front, and often result in major construction projects that get delivered on time or early, on or under budget. If we follow my new roadmap, we can use more PLAs, and get more quality projects done with skilled labor, on time and on budget, and create more opportunity for Pennsylvanians in the process."List of Speakers:Dennis Martire, Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager of the Laborers' International Union of North AmericaPhil Ameris, President and Business Manager at Laborers District Council of Western PASecretary Reggie McNeilVince Tutino, President of Lindy Paving, Inc.Kenny Broadbent, Business Manager for the Pittsburgh Steamfitters Local 449Mandy Daughtry, Pennsylvania Laborers Training Center apprenticeGovernor Josh Shapiro