This is the second comment period for the proposed rule which was issued July 14 following a policy memorandum by the Office of Management and Budget encouraging federal department and agency heads to immediately consider the use of PLAs on upcoming federal construction projects.

PLAs are contracts that discourage open shop contractors and their employees – comprising more than 84 percent of the construction workforce – from bidding and working on construction projects. In addition to being discriminatory, PLAs unnecessarily increase the costs of construction projects paid for by taxpayers, as well as discriminate against women and minorities who have traditionally been underrepresented in construction trade unions.

ABC is encouraging all members and their employees who disagree with this proposed rule to submit comments to the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council. ABC members can help get more employees to file comments by educating them about Executive Order 13502 and what it would mean for their company.

Completed comments can be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and ABC will submit the comments on the employees’ behalf before the deadline. In addition, comments can be submitted directly to the FAR Council via fax at 202-501-4067.

All comments must include the submitter’s name, the name of the company or firm, a full mailing address (either personal or company), and they must reference “FAR 2009-005, Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects” near the top of the first page in order to be eligible for submission.

ABC members can email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for sample talking points on PLAs and Executive Order 13502 and a sample comment letter.

For the latest news on PLAs and Executive Order 13502 and to see an ABC member voice concerns about PLAs on Fox News, visit http://www.thetruthaboutplas.com/