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I have recently been asked about my stance about Project Labor Agreements (PLA) in relation to city contracts. The purpose of a PLA is to limit the ability of non-union contractors to bid on city projects. Under a PLA contract bids require that all project hiring is done through the union referral system.

I admire union labor for its ability to offer a ample supply of well-trained skilled labor. However, I strongly feel that non-union (open-shop) labor can often offer the same well-trained labor at competitive prices. As the City of Davenport is entering a financial crisis competitive biding by open-shop and closed-shop contractors is imperative.

PLAs make it difficult for nonunion firms to offer their skills to public projects. In the City of Davenport a PLA agreement would bias contracts against nearly eighty percent of the contractors who have the ability to satisfy public project requirements. PLA agreements essentially eliminate the competitive edge of nonunion firms to make bids.

Any man or women, who has the necessary skills to complete a public project’s requirements should have the freedom to make a bid regardless of the shop’s open or closed orientation.

I strongly feel and intend to support only those measures that offer an equal playing field to all firms.

Shawn Hamerlinck