When Delaware taxpayers pay millions for public construction projects, they expect those projects to be completed safely, on time, and without costly surprises.

This starts with demanding real accountability: projects finished on time, strong safety standards, skilled workers onsite, and quality workmanship that lasts. One of the best tools for meeting those expectations is a Project Labor Agreement (PLA).

At a time when Delaware is preparing for major investments in schools, infrastructure, and economic development projects, taxpayers cannot afford costly delays, substandard work, or avoidable cost overruns.

These issues are especially important as Delaware lawmakers consider Senate Bill 272 (SB 272), which would require PLAs on state-funded projects related to school construction and renovation projects of $5 million or more.

A PLA sets the rules for a construction project before work begins — covering wages, benefits, safety standards, scheduling, and dispute resolution.

PLAs have been used successfully on large-scale construction projects since the 1930s. Despite their long track record, they are still often misunderstood. At their core, they’re management designed to promote coordination, efficiency, workforce stability, and cost predictability.

Fair Standards

PLAs are open to all reputable contractors. Critics often claim they shut out nonunion companies, which is simply false.

PLAs require contractors to maintain the same high standards for training, quality, and workforce experience. But any contractor can bid on a project regardless of union or nonunion affiliation. Any contractor can compete for PLA projects provided they meet the agreed-upon standards.

Anyone familiar with construction knows the dangers of awarding a project solely to the lowest bidder. A contractor can submit an unrealistically low bid, then make up the difference later through delays, change orders, labor cuts, or lower-quality materials.

Ultimately, it’s taxpayers who pay the price.

PLAs help prevent these problems by creating clear standards and accountability from the start.

Building Delaware workforce

The construction industry is facing a workforce shortage as experienced tradespeople retire, and demand for skilled labor continues to grow nationwide.

PLAs help address that challenge by requiring accredited apprenticeship and training programs that prepare the next generation of skilled workers.

Delaware is particularly fortunate to have Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers in New Castle and Georgetown that are helping to grow that workforce pipeline.

In addition to offering traditional earn-as-you-learn four-year apprenticeships, these centers are also partnered with the University of Delaware to expand educational and career pathways for apprentices through graduate programs, professional certificates, and customized workforce training.

These programs do more than fill jobs — they create careers and help today’s apprentices become tomorrow’s foremen, superintendents, and project managers.

Opportunity

PLAs can also expand opportunities for small and minority-owned contractors.
By establishing transparent and standardized rules, PLAs reduce barriers that have historically limited access to large public projects. In Delaware and across our region, minority-owned contractors are ready, willing, and able to compete successfully on PLA projects, aligning with the goals of Delaware’s Office of Supplier Diversity and Division of Small Business.

The right way

Passing SB 272 is ultimately about whether Delaware prioritizes long-term value, quality, and accountability in public construction projects.

That means prioritizing safety, avoiding delays and cost overruns, supporting a skilled local workforce, and protecting taxpayer investments.

For Delaware taxpayers, Project Labor Agreements aren’t just good policy- they are a smart long-term investment in the state’s future.

William C. Sproule is Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, representing more than 43,000 skilled union members across Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.