Advocacy
Empowering Your Voice in Construction Policy
Advocacy & Action
ABC RMC Working in Coalitions
One of the most powerful ways for associations to engage in the public policy process is by working in coalition with other associations. Effective coalitions can amplify association voices to legislators and the public, as well as allow coalition members to share the costs of their advocacy efforts.
We are a member organization in the Building Jobs4Colorado Coalition. The Building Jobs4Colorado Coalition is a broad coalition of construction design professionals, general contractors, sub-contractors, sub-sub-contractors and owner organizations across Colorado. Founded in late 2008 in an effort to build a coalition around payment reform and construction industry issues. BJ4C is committed to working with industry stakeholders to preserve and build construction and design jobs in Colorado
ABC RMC Working in Coalitions
- Construction Defects Litigation Reform
- Legislative Payment Reform
- Collaboration on Legislation and Lobbying Efforts
- Annual Construction Industry Legislative Reception
- Denver City & County – established quarterly meetings with Denver to enhance communication regarding public works, projects, payment issues, electronic billing, sales & use tax issues, best practices, etc.
- Coordinated Candidate Interviews
- Candidate Reception for Candidates with Multiple Endorsements
- Outreach to Public and Private entities to improve payment practices and increase construction job growth in Colorado
If you would like more information on this coalition, contact ABC RMC CEO / President, Jack Tate
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Your Voice Matters
What Role Do You Play?
As a vital part of the community, your active participation plays a crucial role in shaping the laws and policies that impact all of us. Whether you’re writing letters, making phone calls, or scheduling meetings with your legislative representatives, each step you take holds great significance. Your efforts are noticed, and your representatives are open to hearing your insights and feedback.
Your personal experiences and stories have the power to influence perspectives and affect decision-making. By sharing how legislative decisions directly impact you, your employees, and the community, you help create a more informed and compassionate legislative process. The ABC Action App is a valuable tool that allows you to share your concerns and stories directly with policymakers. Use this platform to ensure your voice is heard, helping to shape a future that aligns with the needs and values of our community.
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 for Construction Progress
Building Strong Partnerships & Advocating for the Construction Industry
ABC Rocky Mountain members recognize the major challenges the construction industry faces, often due to overly strict government regulations. By joining forces with industry allies and the broader community, we strive to educate local decision-makers on how their well-intended policies affect the hardworking individuals in the construction sector.
Strengthening Alliances
Our efforts cover a broad spectrum of activities, from advocating for increased funding for state apprenticeship programs to opposing initiatives that unfairly target non-union (merit shop) workers. We also work on advancing legislation that empowers local governments to reject biased Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). ABC Rocky Mountain’s Government Affairs agenda is committed to strengthening ABC’s political influence, promoting the principles of merit shop and free enterprise. We advocate for regulatory and legislative environments that align with merit shop values, pushing for practical solutions that support the growth and fairness of our industry.
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.
