Nevada: Repeal of PLAs Could Save Millions

An executive order signed by Gov. Jim Gibbons in early January could save taxpayers millions of dollars, the leader of a local building trades organization said Thursday.

The order repealed the use of project labor agreements on public works construction projects. Project labor agreements, or PLAs, are collective bargaining agreements between public agencies and local construction unions.

Under a PLA, the project owner is required to use only contractors that adhere to the rules set forth in the agreement, which includes wages, hours, benefits and other labor terms. In exchange, union workers pledge not to strike or pursue any other job actions.

Nonunion contractors have long contended that PLAs drive up the cost of construction on public projects such as schools and roads...click to continue.