PENNSYLVANIA NEEDS TO MAKE CHANGES | July 2024

PENNSYLVANIA NEEDS TO MAKE CHANGES | July 2024

Recent reports on this blog highlight numerous instances of poor decision-making and regrettable actions by policymakers. Labor legislation across all government levels increasingly harms both the construction industry and taxpayers alike. Much of this legislation seems to create solutions for non-existent problems, driven by misconceptions from certain labor groups about our membership.

In late June, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed an expansion of prevailing wage (House Bill 2153), despite vigorous opposition from ABC Keystone and clear explanations of its impracticality and adverse policy impacts. The bill, akin to Senate Bill 841, aims to extend prevailing wage to all offsite prefabricated materials and prohibit flexible rates for properly classified employees who perform multiple tasks efficiently.

Alarmingly, 125 representatives supported this measure, including 22 Republicans. What’s worse than disregarding merit shop contractors is the questionable track record of many of these legislators. A significant number also backed a statewide Responsible Contractor Ordinance (RCO) and, in some cases, a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) in Pittsburgh, which fortunately did not advance in the Senate. Details of those voting for HB 2153 are accessible on our blog.

These bills collectively signal a discouraging message: open shops are unwelcome in Pennsylvania, to the detriment of workers and taxpayers when these policies inevitably fail.

This situation demands change. Many legislators who supported these bills claim difficulty gauging local sentiment, suggesting they hear louder voices from labor groups than from merit shops. It’s crucial they hear from all constituents now, despite these bills passing. They must understand how their decisions impact residents and businesses in their districts.

As Dr. Seuss wisely noted in The Lorax, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Without reaching out to legislators, both in Harrisburg and D.C., the situation will only deteriorate.

We urge you to visit our advocacy page to receive alerts before the next crucial vote, join our government affairs committee to influence better policy, or contact us to learn about our upcoming educational program on running for legislative office. Your involvement can make a significant difference in shaping a more constructive future for Pennsylvania.