YOUR PARTNER IN C O N S T R U C T A B I L I T Y. SINCE 1997 Milender White is a trusted General Contractor successfully delivering a diverse range of projects from Multifamily Residential, Mixed-Use, Renovation/Rehabilitation, Commercial, and Denver International Airport Revitalization. Reach out to see how you can connect with us. milenderwhite.com estimator@milenderwhite.com special interests can normalize PLA requirements across a growing share of projects. Even a handful of high-profile PLA projects could set a precedent that other agencies feel compelled to follow. In short, HB25-1130 is not a neutral option. It is a legislative green light for union favoritism in public contracting — an opening wedge that undermines fair competition, raises costs and excludes the majority of Colorado’s skilled workforce. For merit shop contractors and taxpayers alike, that threat is immediate and real. Outlook and Next Steps The future of PLAs in federal and state contracting remains uncertain. While the Biden administration has solidified its support for PLAs through executive action, the legal and political landscape could shift depending on court rulings in ongoing or future lawsuits, congressional action on the Fair and Open Competition Act, and changes in administration following the 2026 midterm elections or the 2028 presidential race. In the meantime, ABC is urging its members to stay informed about PLA requirements in federal solicitations, file bid protests when appropriate, engage with lawmakers to advocate for fair and open competition, and seek project-specific waivers where possible. In Colorado, we are concerned that government project owners will be persuaded to implement PLAs in their solicitations. In addition, we see coming public policy that moves Colorado over to a union shop state like California. PLA proponents argue that PLAs prevent strikes and delays, standardize safety practices and create labor harmony. However, decades of project data show no correlation between PLAs and reduced work stoppages on construction projects. Safety and quality depend on contractor management, not union mandates. By highlighting these counterpoints, ABC and its members can underscore that PLAs are less about efficiency and more about political favoritism. Conclusion Project Labor Agreements remain one of the most serious issues in both federal and Colorado construction policy. ABC continues to fight for a level playing field where all qualified contractors — union and nonunion alike — can compete for public work based on merit, not mandates. Ultimately, ABC’s case against PLAs rests on three pillars: fairness, efficiency and inclusion. By defending open competition, ABC is protecting its members and ensuring that taxpayers, workers and communities receive the maximum benefit from every construction dollar spent. Construction ADVOCATE 39
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