ABC Statement: 2022 State of the State

“It’s great news to hear that Gov. Hochul has plans to invest and rebuild New York’s crumbling infrastructure. It’s long overdue and something we have been calling for, for years. Let’s be clear, under no circumstances should Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) be applied to that investment. A new report by the Beacon Hill Institute has shown that PLAs are mandated using a flawed methodology, are bad for construction, and shouldn’t be used.

“The fact remains that the employers of more than 70 percent of the construction workforce in New York State will be excluded from working on these projects if PLAs are mandated. That means only 30 percent of the construction workforce will be left to upgrade and repair our crumbling roads, bridges, sewers, wastewater facilities, renewable energy sources, subway systems, broadband infrastructure and other vital projects our state needs. Do our elected officials really want to delay fixing bridges they know are deficient simply to give favor to donors? Our elected leaders should run far and wide from the use of PLAs on construction in New York State.”