Gov. Scott Walker’s budget proposal included a provision that would repeal the Badger State’s prevailing wage requirements and prohibit any government unit from requiring the use of project labor agreements (PLA) as a condition of bidding on public works projects. However, the Legislature is already a step ahead.
Last month, the Senate passed SB 3, a PLA prohibition bill, by a 19-13 vote, and the Assembly Committee on Labor advanced nearly identical legislation, AB 24. Under both measures, state and local government agencies could not require that bidders enter into PLAs, consider use of a PLA as part of the contracting process, or require union membership as part of the contracting process.
This would be the latest in a series of actions taken by Walker to limit union influence and bolster the state’s business-friendliness, which included eliminating most collective bargaining rights, signing right to work legislation, and repealing many prevailing wage requirements.
In its report, BNA Bloomberg quoted Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin State Director Eric Bott: “This bill is all about giving a fair shot at government work to the majority of Wisconsin construction workers that don’t want to be a in a union. This legislation will help protect thousands of Wisconsin workers, level the playing field for small businesses, lower the burden on taxpayers, and reduce opportunities for cronyism.”
