Saturday, December 28
    News Junkie Paradise – Whatfinger News - More news daily than any other news site on Earth - CLICK HERE

    The Impact: Biden’s Pro-Union Infrastructure Policy and Its Consequences on U.S. Construction

    JimBy Updated: Whatfinger News 7 Mins Read

    Biden’s policies are destroying construction, and the economy as a whole, in deliberate Marxist actions. 

    The effectiveness of federal taxpayer investments in U.S. infrastructure has been increasingly jeopardized by a trifecta of challenges: a shortage of skilled workers, inflationary pressures, and persistent project delays. To exacerbate these issues, the Biden administration recently introduced a regulation that, in an attempt to fulfill President Biden’s pro-union commitment, is expected to further intensify the existing problems.

    Lot of crying going on in here. Haha. Biden isn’t pro union as much as he is pro money and power- Appeal to Heaven

    In 2016, Trump did very well with private sector unions. Democrats put the screws to them in 2020, much like they are in the replies here, and he lost many. In our 12/23 poll, the same bloc who claim to have voted for Biden 54.6% to 37.0%, now back Biden just 51.5% to 48.5%.  – Rich Baris – People’s Pundit

    On December 22, the administration finalized a rule implementing an executive order that mandates federal construction contracts exceeding $35 million to adhere to project labor agreements (PLAs). These agreements are project-specific collective bargaining arrangements that direct taxpayer-funded contracts toward unionized contractors, essentially granting union workers a near-monopoly in the construction of public works projects.

    Greedy labor unions and a suffocating regulatory climate helped drive US manufacturing overseas or out of business. But “Scranton Joe” plans to double-down, with a bigger regulatory barrage, in the time he has left – S Paige – links to Washington Examiner

    This move is part of a broader trend in the Biden administration’s policies, which have been pushing PLAs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of federal and federally assisted construction projects. These projects encompass various sectors, including roads, bridges, schools, transportation, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing facilities built by private developers.

    The impact of these policies on the construction industry’s labor shortage, exceeding half a million workers, is significant. PLAs mandate that qualified contractors replace their existing employees with workers from union hiring halls, adhering to inefficient union work rules. This not only creates additional cost burdens but also poses safety and quality risks for high-performing nonunion contractors.

    Federal agencies under White House control issued the most regulations for every law passed in nearly three decades, the latest sign that the president’s team is using red tape to force its agenda on the country. For every law passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden, agencies issued 46 regulations, the highest percentage since 1995. – Washington Examiner

    Despite nonunion firms historically employing 88.3% of the U.S. construction industry, the Biden administration contends that nonunion workers can participate in PLA projects if they agree to the terms. However, a significant portion of their compensation—more than a third—is forfeited to union coffers and benefit plans unless they join a union, pay fees, and contribute to struggling multiemployer union pension plans.

    Advocates for PLAs are aware that nonunion firms are unlikely to pursue such projects, leading to reduced competition and increased costs. Research indicates that PLA mandates can inflate construction costs by 12% to 20%, ultimately resulting in fewer improvements to various projects and fewer job opportunities for American workers.

    The administration’s argument that PLAs improve construction quality and prevent delays caused by strikes is challenged by the fact that all federally assisted construction contracts are already subject to the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931. This policy requires contractors to pay government-set union-scale wages and benefits on most federal construction projects, irrespective of the presence of a PLA. Moreover, construction projects with PLAs have a mixed record of strikes, cost overruns, and delays.

    Be prepared for anything, including lockdowns with your own Emergency Med kit – see Wellness Emergency Kit (includes Ivermectin and other essential drugs – get approved over the phone – Dr. McCullough’s company!) 🛑

    Despite the option for federal agencies to mandate PLAs on only 12 out of nearly 2,500 large-scale federal construction contracts since 2009, the Biden administration’s plan to eliminate competition from experienced local contractors and construction workers is expected to lead to procurement and construction delays. Construction unions, representing less than 12% of the U.S. construction industry workforce, are unlikely to meet the demand created by such a policy.

    Organizations like ABC are preparing to file lawsuits against the final rule and contracts subject to PLAs, emphasizing the importance of long-lasting federal construction projects built safely, on time, and on budget by the best contractors and workers, regardless of labor affiliation.

    A coalition of lawmakers, construction industry representatives, small-business advocates, and taxpayers is urging Congress to oppose these costly handouts to special interests. They are advocating for the Fair and Open Competition Act, which would prohibit government-mandated PLAs on federal and federally assisted construction projects.

    The Biden administration could learn from the 25 states that have enacted laws restricting government-mandated PLAs on over a trillion dollars’ worth of state and local taxpayer-funded construction projects since 2007. Embracing inclusive, win-win policies that maximize the return on federal investment in infrastructure would better serve all Americans, rather than perpetuating wasteful and discriminatory PLA policies.

    Major Points Discussed:

    • The United States is suffocating all industries with regulation, thanks to Biden and the Democrats, and with the help of RINOS
    • The Biden administration’s recent rule mandates federal construction contracts over $35 million to adhere to project labor agreements (PLAs), steering projects toward unionized contractors.
    • PLAs exacerbate the construction industry’s skilled labor shortage by requiring qualified contractors to replace existing employees with workers from union hiring halls, creating additional costs and safety risks.
    • Nonunion firms, historically comprising 88.3% of the U.S. construction industry, are less likely to pursue PLA projects due to onerous terms, leading to reduced competition and increased costs.
    • Research indicates that PLAs inflate construction costs by 12% to 20%, resulting in fewer improvements to infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, schools, and clean energy initiatives, and fewer job opportunities.
    • Organizations like ABC are preparing to file lawsuits against the rule, emphasizing the need for long-lasting, well-executed federal construction projects. A coalition is urging Congress to oppose costly handouts to special interests and support the Fair and Open Competition Act to prohibit government-mandated PLAs.

    RM Tomi, freelance writer

    Comments – Threads – Links

    • This is exactly how anti-union Henry Ford framed his position: I’m so good to my employees that they don’t need a union. Everyone needs a union- MA
    • I just feel like running out and getting a Costco membership now- NIKKI IRISH: HOUSTON
    • Being pro-union doesn’t matter when every American worker is suffering due to high inflation, low wages and skyrocketing prices. It doesn’t help when millions of adult males are coming over the southern border stealing our jobs. The Biden administration has failed everyone- Paul A. Szypula
    • You all insult anyone who says Biden isn’t that great. I would be more worried about DeSatan at this point considering the rulings against Trump- Cis and Pro Union Kathleen

    Biden and crew are doing everything possible to take the nation down. Nations and banks around the world are buying Gold fast and at record amounts.  Do yourself or your family a favor, check out GOLD now – Whatfinger endorses Goldco, which has helped people all over America to protect their 401Ks and retirement – get the free details –  CLICK HERE or below…News Junkies Delight…. One visit and you are hooked….  Come over to Whatfinger’s main page. All news and more news than any other site on the net. 

    Keep Reading

    Add A Comment

    Leave A Reply