Government Affairs
Empowering Your Voice in Construction Policy
Advocacy & Action
Advocating for the Merit Shop in the Carolinas
The ABC Carolinas Government Affairs team is dedicated to advancing the interests of our members, workers, apprentices, and the merit shop philosophy at the local, state, and federal levels. Through active participation in legislative sessions, public hearings, and media outreach, we work to ensure that the voice of the construction industry is heard on the issues that matter most.
Grassroots advocacy is at the heart of our efforts. From letter-writing campaigns and phone outreach to direct meetings with legislators, we mobilize members to influence policy and protect free enterprise in construction. In addition, we support pro-business candidates and initiatives through political fundraising that strengthens the industry’s representation in government.
Our approach also includes closely monitoring the actions of special interest groups and regulatory agencies that may affect contractors’ ability to manage their businesses freely. By staying vigilant and proactive, we safeguard the merit shop model and defend the rights of our members.
Equally important, we educate lawmakers throughout the Carolinas on the vital role the construction industry plays in economic growth and community development. By demonstrating the impact of our members’ work, we highlight how a strong, merit-based construction sector benefits everyone across the region.
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Advocate for Change Through Action
Amplify Your Voice: Shaping the Future of Construction
Your involvement is essential in influencing the policies that affect our industry and communities across the Carolinas. Whether it’s writing letters, making phone calls, or meeting directly with legislators, every action you take helps shape the laws and regulations guiding construction. Lawmakers rely on your insight and experiences to better understand the real-world impact of their decisions.
Your story matters. By sharing how legislation affects your business, your employees, and your community, you help create a more informed decision-making process that reflects the needs of the construction workforce. The ABC Action App makes it simple to connect with policymakers and ensure your voice is heard where it counts.
Together, we can influence decisions that protect free enterprise, strengthen the construction industry, and build a future of opportunity. Take action today—your voice has the power to drive 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 Carolinas members understand the significant challenges facing the construction industry, many of which stem from burdensome and overly complex regulations. By working alongside industry partners and engaging with our communities, we actively educate policymakers on how these rules impact the men and women who power the construction sector. Our goal is to close the gap between legislative intent and the day-to-day realities of the workforce, ensuring policies support—not hinder—the industry’s growth and success.
Championing Legislation That Builds Opportunity
Our advocacy efforts span a wide range of priorities—from securing greater funding for state apprenticeship programs to standing against policies that unfairly disadvantage merit shop contractors and workers. We also champion legislation that empowers local governments to reject restrictive Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), ensuring fair competition for all builders.
The Government Affairs agenda of ABC Carolinas is rooted in strengthening our influence, protecting the merit shop philosophy, and promoting free enterprise. Our mission is clear: to create a balanced and practical legislative environment that drives industry growth, fosters equity, and supports long-term success for construction across the Carolinas.
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.
