SALEM, Ore. (March 27, 2025) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) applauds the decision by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas M. Hart to pause an executive order that would have required project labor agreements on state construction projects. NFIB joined the Associated General Contractors, Oregon-Columbia Chapter; Associated Builders and Contractors, Pacific Northwest Chapter; Northwest Utility Contractors Association; and thirteen Oregon contractors in challenging Gov. Kotek’s executive order.

“NFIB’s small business members welcome Judge Hart’s decision,” said Anthony Smith, NFIB Oregon State Director.  “They’re looking forward to continuing to bid on public projects – and get them built. There are limits to executive power and we’re grateful to the court for this acknowledgment.”

The lawsuit argues that mandating union-only project labor agreements on state construction projects will not only harm small business contractors in the state by denying them the opportunity to win these contracts but will increase costs for the taxpayers who fund them. The injunction will prevent this discriminatory executive order from being implemented while the merits of the case are determined in court.

The NFIB Small Business Legal Center protects the rights of small business owners in the nation’s courts. NFIB is currently active in more than 40 cases in federal and state courts across the country and in the U.S. Supreme Court.