Norman D. Dicks: “Reclaiming my time, I think it's fairly clear that the gentleman knows that the executive order is only to promote…”

“Reclaiming my time, I think it's fairly clear that the gentleman knows that the executive order is only to promote efficiency in Federal procurement. A project labor agreement is a pre-hire agreement that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project. There is, and the gentleman is part of this, a PLA mandate myth that has been floating around since the executive order was issued that the Federal Government mandates project labor agreements. Actual language from the executive order says, and I quote: ``This order does not require an executive agency to use a project labor agreement on any construction project.'' I am sure the gentleman will be pleased to hear that. Let me explain what the executive order does do. It asks the Federal agencies to submit a quarterly report identifying all contracts awarded for large-scale construction projects and whether or not a PLA was used on the project; allows all contractors and subcontractors to compete for contracts and subcontracts; contains guarantees against strikes, lockouts in similar job disruptions and provides binding procedures for solving labor disputes that may arise during the terms of the project labor agreement; provides mechanism for labor and management cooperation on matters of mutual interest and concern such as productivity, quality of work, safety and health; and includes any additional requirements that an agency deems necessary.…”