A Project Labor Ageement(PLA) bill introduced by Councilwoman Karen Toles, became law this month that will allow and encourage the use of Project Labor Agreements on any Public Works projects over $1,000,000. This is the first time in the history of the state of Maryland that a law like this has been passed.

We have been given notice that there is a possibility of using PLA agreements on more than just a few projects in Prince George’s County. If the county is able to execute some of the projects under PLAs, there will be a number of our out of work Prince George's County members going to work on projects in the county while at the same time helping to create construction careers for multiple other residents in the county.

An additional resolution passed, also sponsored by Councilwoman Karen Toles, a few months ago requires all contractors working on projects that required Tax Incremented Financing (TIF) for Prince George's county projects have a Class A apprenticeship which basically means to be a class A apprenticeship program they have to meet all the requirements our apprenticeships already meet or they cannot work on the job.

The DC Building Trades Council extends our thanks to Councilwoman Toles and the Prince George's County Council for their progressive legislation on our issues.