Bernstine Calls for More Transparency in Taxpayer-Funded Construction Projects

HARRISBURG – In an effort to promote transparency, Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) today introduced legislation to require full disclosure of contractual terms, known as project labor agreements (PLAs), on construction projects funded by taxpayer dollars.

PLAs are comprehensive, pre-hire agreements which, under existing law, include labor terms and conditions for construction projects, often incorporating terms from collective bargaining agreements of unions to be involved in the project.

“PLAs often increase the labor costs on a job, so it is problematic when we can’t see the full scope of the project up front,” Bernstine said. “When a contractor is crafting a bid for a public project, it is only fair to make them aware of agreements that would impact the cost of construction.”

Bernstine hopes to accomplish additional transparency through the introduction of legislation, known as the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Transparency Act, which would require a public body to post advance notice when a PLA applies to a public construction project.

Bernstine’s legislation would not restrict the use of PLAs or regulate the contents of the agreement in any way.

“This is very simply about fairness and openness in the contracting process,” Bernstine said. “The taxpayers who are funding these projects and the laborers who hope to bid on the work deserve full transparency.”