what is a pla

A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor unions that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project. It is unique to the construction industry and can be used on both public and private projects. PLAs may include provisions to prevent strikes, lockouts, or other work stoppages for the length of the project. They are authorized under the National Labor Relations Act and have been in use in the United States since the 1930s. PLAs can be used by public project owners to set goals for creating local jobs and achieving social welfare goals through the construction projects they apply to. They may also include provisions for targeted hiring and apprenticeship ratio provisions. However, there are differing opinions on PLAs, with some considering them anti-competitive and costly schemes designed to funnel construction contracts to unionized entities.