Advocacy
Empowering Your Voice in Construction Policy
Advocacy & Action
ABC Greater Tennessee Government Affairs Team
The ABC Greater Tennessee Government Affairs Team is steadfast in championing the interests of our members, workers, apprentices, and the merit shop philosophy across all local government levels. Through legislative sessions, public hearings, and media outreach, the team works tirelessly to inform the community about critical local legislation, election candidates, and voting issues. A cornerstone of their mission is the execution of grassroots campaigns—such as letter-writing drives, phone banks, and meetings with legislators—to tackle key challenges. Additionally, they engage in political fundraising to support candidates and policies that align with the construction industry’s goals.
The ABC Greater Tennessee Chapter also takes a comprehensive approach to protecting the merit-based construction industry at the local, state, and federal levels. This includes tracking and responding to the efforts of special interest groups and regulatory agencies whose actions could impact the industry, ensuring our members retain their ability to manage their businesses independently.
A vital aspect of their work is educating Tennessee lawmakers about the crucial role the merit-based construction industry plays in driving economic growth and demonstrating how its success benefits communities across the state.
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Advocate for Change Through Action
Amplify Your Voice: Shaping the Future of Our Industry
Your active participation plays a vital role in shaping the laws and policies that impact our industry and community. Whether you write letters, make phone calls, or meet with your legislative representatives, every effort you make has a meaningful impact. Your representatives value and appreciate the feedback and insights you share, knowing they reflect the real-world experiences of their constituents.
Your personal story is a powerful tool for change. By sharing how legislative decisions affect you, your employees, and the community, you help shape a more informed and compassionate decision-making process. The ABC Action App empowers you to directly communicate your concerns and experiences to policymakers. By using this platform, you ensure your voice is heard, influencing decisions that will shape a future aligned with the values and needs of our community. Engage today and be part of the change.
TAKE ACTION
ABC Action is an advanced advocacy tool that enables users to become a vital part of the ABC grassroots advocacy efforts and further the merit shop philosophy.
Uniting Industry Voices to Inform and Educate Policymakers
Building Awareness: Addressing Regulatory Challenges
ABC Greater Tennessee members recognize the substantial challenges confronting the construction industry, many arising from burdensome and overly complex government regulations. By collaborating with industry partners and engaging with the local community, we strive to educate our policymakers about how these regulations affect the hardworking individuals who keep the construction sector thriving. Together, we aim to bridge the gap between policy intentions and the realities faced by our workforce.
Advocating for Fairness and Opportunity in Construction
Our initiatives cover a broad spectrum, from pushing for enhanced funding for state apprenticeship programs to opposing policies that unjustly discriminate against non-union (merit shop) workers. We also advocate for legislation empowering local governments to reject one-sided Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). The Government Affairs agenda of ABC Greater Tennessee focuses on strengthening ABC’s influence, upholding the principles of merit-based construction, and championing free enterprise. Our mission is to create a fair and practical regulatory and legislative landscape that supports the construction industry’s growth, equity, and success.
PLAs: Limiting Fairness and Elevating Costs in Construction
What is a Project Labor Agreement (PLA)?
Project Labor Agreements: Unpacking Fairness, Costs, and Community Impact in Construction
Project Labor Agreements bring to light several critical issues in the construction industry related to fairness, cost, and community involvement. By prioritizing certain labor groups over others, PLAs have the potential to increase project costs, limit local employment opportunities, and impose undue restrictions on contractors and workers alike.
A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a contentious type of agreement that can prevent contractors and their skilled workforce from participating in and securing construction projects. These agreements often bar workers from non-union, or “merit shop,” backgrounds from engaging in projects for which they are perfectly suited, leading to discrimination claims and unnecessary financial implications.
The Impact of PLAs on Construction Costs and Competition
PLAs are known to inflate the costs of construction projects by eliminating the healthy competition that typically leads to more favorable pricing and quality. By favoring certain labor groups, these agreements can increase project expenses significantly, estimates suggest by 10-30%, due to reduced competition.
Exclusion of Non-Union Workers and Apprenticeships
PLAs often exclude skilled workers, veterans, and those enrolled in state-recognized apprenticeship programs not affiliated with unions, denying them critical on-the-job training opportunities. This exclusion impacts individual career paths and affects family and community stability.
Key Statistics and Considerations
With a significant portion of the construction workforce operating outside of unions, PLAs that require a union-only labor force have many projects to bypass the local workforce entirely. This exclusionary approach disadvantages the majority of local contractors and small businesses, leading to higher costs for public projects funded by taxpayers. It also imposes restrictions on worker choice regarding union membership, benefits, and pensions.
