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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Marc Gergely |
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House panel approves Gergely resolution to help construction workers, companies and taxpayers
HARRISBURG, June 8 – The House Labor Relations Committee today approved a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Marc Gergely, D-Allegheny, which would help workers on publically funded construction projects to be treated fairly and make sure tax dollars would be used efficiently.
Gergely's resolution, H.R. 761, urges the use of project labor agreements on all taxpayer-financed or -guaranteed public works construction, alteration, renovation, demolition, excavating and paving projects in Pennsylvania.
"Project labor agreements have been used in the public and private sectors for more than 80 years to assure that construction projects are completed on time and on budget," Gergely said.
"We've seen many local examples of the benefits of project labor agreements. U.S. Steel invested more than $1 billion into its Clairton Plant with a strong private and union agreement. Plus, the Baldwin-Whitehall School District and many of the major construction projects in Pittsburgh have used the agreements to effectively manage costs and protect workers, taxpayers and contractors.
"I encourage the McKeesport Area School District to use project labor agreements on its four potential school construction projects so that local construction companies have a fair chance to win the bids and the construction jobs created go to local workers."
Gergely said the agreements help ensure that Pennsylvania employees and businesses have an equal and fair opportunity to work on taxpayer-funded construction projects. With an agreement, reputable contractors are protected from dishonest companies that seek a competitive advantage in the bidding process by sacrificing working conditions and construction standards.
"These agreements keep our tax dollars in Pennsylvania and create family-sustaining jobs with quality health care and benefits for our hardworking neighbors."
Gergely said project labor agreements prohibit the use of illegal workers and would help stop unscrupulous companies from secretly hiring undocumented workers on public works projects.
"I commend the House Labor Relations Committee for its bipartisan support of the resolution, and I encourage the entire House to quickly vote on it."