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March 4, 2026 | By Anthony Villa | Mid-Hudson News

Dear Editor,

Albany has an opportunity right now to take meaningful action against a long-standing problem in the construction industry: the exploitation of workers on publicly funded projects. By passing legislation (A756/S1672), which would require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for public school construction projects valued at $1 million or more, the New York State Legislature can protect taxpayers, strengthen local economies, and restore accountability to an industry that too often rewards cutting corners over doing things the right way.

Public school construction should reflect our values. These projects are funded by taxpayers and intended to serve our children and our communities for generations. Yet without strong safeguards, too many projects end up plagued by cost overruns, delays, unsafe working conditions, and the use of underpaid or out-of-state labor. PLAs are a proven solution that addresses these problems head-on.

A Project Labor Agreement establishes clear, enforceable standards for wages, benefits, safety, training, and work rules before construction even begins. That clarity is precisely why PLAs help keep projects on schedule and within budget. When expectations are defined up front, contractors can plan accurately, disputes are minimized, and costly delays are avoided. For taxpayers, that means fewer surprises and better management of public dollars.

PLAs also ensure that public funds are invested back into the communities that pay for these projects. By prioritizing local, skilled workers, PLAs create good jobs while supporting New York-based contractors who play by the rules. Instead of public money flowing to fly-by-night operators or out-of-state firms that undercut wages, those dollars circulate locally – supporting small businesses, strengthening neighborhoods, and fueling economic growth.

Safety is another critical piece of the equation. Construction remains one of the most dangerous industries in the country, and the risks only increase when contractors cut corners on training or staffing. PLAs require qualified workers and established safety standards, helping to reduce accidents and ensure that workers return home safely at the end of the day. Safer job sites don’t just protect workers – they prevent costly shutdowns, delays, and liability issues that ultimately fall on the public.

Opponents often claim that PLAs limit competition or drive up costs. The evidence shows otherwise. PLAs create a level playing field by preventing a race to the bottom, where the lowest bidder wins by slashing wages, ignoring safety, or misclassifying workers. Responsible contractors – union and non-union alike – benefit from a fair system that rewards quality, efficiency, and accountability rather than exploitation.

Requiring PLAs for public school construction on Long Island and across New York would also help address a growing workforce challenge. The construction industry faces a shortage of skilled labor, even as demand for infrastructure continues to rise. PLAs support apprenticeship and training programs that prepare the next generation of tradespeople with the skills needed to build safely and efficiently. That investment pays dividends long after a single project is completed.

At its core, this bill (A756/S1672) is about fairness. It’s about ensuring that the workers who build our schools are treated with dignity and respect and that taxpayers get the full value of their investment.

Passing this legislation would send a clear message: New York will not tolerate exploitation on taxpayer-funded projects. On the contrary, we will prioritize quality, safety, and local jobs. Albany should seize this moment. Our schools, our workers, and our communities deserve nothing less.

Anthony Villa

Regional Manager