Tim Harrison, the Board Chairman of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama (ABC), has voiced strong support for legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Katie Britt aimed at blocking federal government mandates for project labor agreements (PLAs) on taxpayer-funded projects. The proposed bill, known as the Fair and Open Competition Act (FOCA), is designed to increase competition, reduce construction costs, and provide more opportunities for contractors to bid on government projects.

Harrison, founder and president of Harrison Construction, praised Senator Britt’s initiative as a timely response to a recent executive order from the White House. He noted, “President Trump’s executive order is a step in the right direction, but work remains to be done.” Harrison emphasized that PLAs undermine competition, increase costs, and disadvantage merit-shop contractors. He expressed hope that the U.S. Senate would pass the legislation, which would ensure federal contracts are awarded based on merit rather than influenced by special interests, encouraging fairer competition in the bidding process.

Senator Britt, who represents Alabama, also issued a statement about the importance of the bill, underscoring that federal contracts should be awarded based on merit, not due to the influence of special interest groups. “Project labor agreements are not only costly, but also discourage qualified contractors from competing,” she said. “This legislation will drive down costs, increase competition, and save taxpayer dollars to ensure federal projects are completed efficiently and effectively.”

Alabama is one of 24 states that have enacted state-level laws prohibiting government-mandated PLAs on state and local projects, with variations in the scope of these laws. The passage of FOCA would extend these protections to federal construction contracts, benefiting contractors and taxpayers alike.

The growing debate surrounding PLAs in federal projects reflects the ongoing tension between unions and non-union contractors, with organizations like ABC Alabama asserting that PLAs unnecessarily raise costs and limit competition in the construction industry.

Originally reported by Austen Shipley in Yellow Hammer.