BOSTON – Leaders from the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions expressed their gratitude as Governor Healey signed the Economic Development Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that incorporates provisions supporting the use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on public construction projects throughout the state.

PLAs, commonly used in Massachusetts' private sector, are designed to ensure the delivery of high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. These agreements outline the terms and conditions of employment on construction projects and guarantee that projects are completed by skilled workers, resulting in more projects being completed correctly, on time, and within budget. The new bill specifically addresses the ability of public awarding authorities to enter into PLAs and outlines the factors they must evaluate before requiring such agreements.

The effectiveness of PLAs was highlighted during last month’s topping off ceremony for the Holyoke Veterans Home. In 2021, the legislature mandated that the project be completed under a Project Labor Agreement. As of now, the project is significantly ahead of schedule, on budget, and has surpassed workforce goals for women, people of color, veterans, and minority- and women-owned businesses.

“The Holyoke Veterans Home serves as a prime example of the benefits of utilizing a Project Labor Agreement – it’s ahead of schedule and on-budget while exceeding workforce goals for women, minorities, and military veterans, as well as minority and women-owned contractors. Our communities deserve the opportunity to utilize Project Labor Agreements on public projects, which ensure that taxpayer money is spent on quality building projects. Today’s ceremonial signing of the Economic Development Bill will allow for the same great results with PLAs on state and municipal projects all across the Commonwealth,” said Frank Callahan, President of Massachusetts Building Trades Unions.