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Committee tables bill to repeal authority to require project labor agreements after sharp debate
Summary
HB 1570, a bill that would repeal a 2020 code provision authorizing public bodies to require project labor agreements for public‑works contracts, was tabled after supporters and opponents clashed over whether PLAs raise costs or protect local workers and project timeliness.
HB 1570, a bill to remove a 2020 Virginia code provision that allows public bodies to require project labor agreements (PLAs) as a condition of bidding, was tabled by a House subcommittee after a roughly one-hour debate.
The bill’s sponsor, Delegate Wiley, told the committee HB 1570 “is about fair, open competition and frugal stewardship of our taxpayer funds.” He said the proposal would “allow both union and non union contractors to compete on a level playing field” by striking the statutory authority that lets public entities mandate participation in PLAs.
Supporters representing construction trade groups and contractors told the committee that mandatory PLAs reduce competition and raise costs. Deborah Harvey of the Heavy Construction Contractors Association said the existing law “is a pro labor, pro government dollars, pro competition bill,” and argued that allowing pre-bid PLA requirements excludes many Virginia construction workers and raises project costs.
Michael Sargent, deputy secretary of transportation for the administration, said the administration “strongly supports this bill” and urged the committee to report it, arguing that PLA mandates can “drastically increase the cost of our critical infrastructure projects.” Brandon Robinson of the Associated General Contractors of Virginia and Rob Bohannon of the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance associated themselves with those concerns.
Union representatives and building trades leaders opposed repeal. Tracey Parker of the Virginia State Building Construction Trades Council said local examples exist where PLAs produced on-time, on-budget results. Don Slaiman of IBEW Local 26 told the committee PLA-backed projects can increase apprenticeship opportunities, health care and pensions for local workers and can be used to recruit underserved communities. Patrick Briggman of IBEW Local 666 and others said PLAs support workforce development.
Delegate Lopez, who sponsored the 2020 law, defended PLAs as tools that have helped large-scale projects finish on time and with improved safety records, citing examples such as the Springfield Interchange and Silver Line Phase 2. After discussion, a committee member moved to lay HB 1570 on the table. The motion carried on a recorded vote: HB 1570 was tabled on a vote of 3–2.
Why it matters: The bill would have removed code language (2.2‑4321.2 as cited in testimony) enacted in 2020 that authorizes public bodies to require pre-bid participation in PLAs. Supporters framed the repeal as restoring competition and protecting taxpayer dollars; opponents said PLAs can ensure local hiring pathways, training and safer project delivery.
The committee’s action halts the repeal for now; proponents said they may continue to press the issue in future sessions.
