Building trade unions are intensifying their campaign to require Project Labor Agreements and registered apprenticeship programs on public construction projects, arguing the standards are essential to protect taxpayers, ensure quality work and strengthen Long Island’s middle class.
Union members recently packed the Suffolk Legislature and have appeared at other public forums to press lawmakers to adopt stronger labor requirements on publicly funded projects. Labor leaders say the push is about setting clear rules that govern how construction dollars are spent across the region, especially within school district projects.
At the center of the effort is state legislation that supporters say would reinforce oversight, accountability and labor standards on school construction.
Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, a co-sponsor of the bill and a former union representative during, said the measure reflects a commitment to taxpayers and workers alike.
“As a co-sponsor of Assembly bill A756B, I share the commitment to protecting local taxpayers, ensuring quality construction, and supporting the hardworking men and women who build and maintain our communities,” DeStefano said. He emphasized that strong labor standards are tied directly to public safety and fiscal responsibility.
“Fraud, exploitation, and substandard work have no place in our school districts, and any contractor who cheats taxpayers or endangers children must be held fully accountable,” he said.
Supporters argue that Project Labor Agreements provide a framework for fairness and transparency on large projects by establishing prevailing wage rates, clear work rules and apprenticeship participation.
They argue that PLAs are a practical tool to promote fairness, transparency, and quality, adding that they can improve workforce stability, enhance safety and training standards, and encourage the use of registered apprenticeships.
Union leaders say apprenticeship programs serve as workforce development pipelines, allowing young workers to earn while they learn and helping keep construction dollars circulating locally.
“My support for this legislation reflects my belief that public construction should strengthen Long Island’s middle class while delivering safe, well-built facilities for our students,” DeStefano said.
Labor representatives, who recently protested outside the Annual Longwood Regional Legislative Breakfast in Middle Island, pledged to continue pressing lawmakers until stronger PLA and apprenticeship requirements are firmly embedded in school construction policy.