Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are a type of pre-hire agreement unique to the construction industry and we need to make sure they are mandatory for any new school construction projects in Prince George's County. They lay out the terms and conditions of construction projects but can also require the hiring of local residents, which will help promote Black construction workers and Black-owned construction business given that Prince George's is predominantly Black. Right now, billions of dollars are being allocated to build new schools and this is great for our community, but we need to make sure that the workers who build these schools are from our community and have union wages and protections. Progressive Maryland's 7/10 Black Workers Center aims to promote economic justice and equity by advocating for fair labor practices and providing resources and support for Black workers in our state. Getting Project Labor Agreements embedded into Prince George's County's new school construction plan is crucial.
Oftentimes, PLAs include standards that all contractors and subcontractors must meet, like hiring local residents, participating in state-approved apprenticeship programs, paying area standard wages, and protecting workers against wage theft to combat discrimination increase productivity, and create value for taxpayers.
This is a community good worth fighting for and we need our County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks, to get on board with it. Please call her office and ask her to support PLAs for a better Prince George's.
