Council debates project-labor-agreement study for new school projects; no vote taken
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Summary
After a presentation on project labor agreements, the council discussed hiring outside counsel for an independent feasibility study (estimated $10,000–$20,000) to determine whether a PLA is appropriate for three school projects; council took no action and will review study bids.
Councilors heard a detailed presentation on project labor agreements (PLAs) from Greg Mancini, who described PLAs as a tool to reduce labor risk, improve access to skilled workers and guard against work stoppages. Mancini urged the council to commission an independent feasibility and legal analysis before deciding whether to pursue a PLA for the Maisie Quinn, high-school and Horgan projects.
Mancini said such studies have been common in Rhode Island since a 2002 Supreme Court directive and estimated a feasibility study would cost roughly $10,000–$20,000 and is typically reimbursable through the school reimbursement process. He emphasized that a PLA itself is not being proposed tonight; rather, he recommended assessing whether the town’s project size, timelines and exposure justify the PLA.
Council members asked how PLAs affect nonunion contractors’ ability to bid and whether such agreements close out local small businesses. Mancini responded that nonunion firms can participate under standard PLA provisions and that the feasibility analysis would examine competitive impacts.
Councilors agreed they had learned from the presentation but did not vote to commission a study at this meeting; staff said bids for the study had been solicited and the cost would be presented when proposals are returned. The matter remains under consideration before any decision is made prior to bidding.