What This Bill Does:
The PLA legislation requires all school construction projects over $1 million on Long Island to use Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), meaning only union workers can be hired.
Click here to see SFA's Memo of Opposition.
Why We Oppose It:
Higher Costs for Taxpayers
- Limits competition by excluding qualified non-union contractors
- Drives up construction costs without providing additional state funding
- Forces districts to cut educational programs or raise local taxes
Workforce Shortage Issues
- Most school construction happens during the same 10-week summer period
- Already facing skilled worker shortages - this makes it worse
- No evidence that non-union work is less safe or lower quality
Unfair Regional Treatment
- Only applies to Long Island - no clear justification why
- Takes away local control from school districts
- One-size-fits-all approach to a problem that doesn't exist
This is a Complex Issue that Needs More Time and Attention
- Legislation of this nature with huge implications for taxpayers and on our public schools needs more study and understanding
Legislation of this nature with such significant impact on taxpayers and our public schools, needs more study of its financial implications and how school construction works.
Immediate Action Needed:
Long Island Members
Call your Senator and Assembly member WEEKLY.
- Voice your opposition to S.1672-B/A.756-B
- Encourage superintendents, business officials, and colleagues to call, too.
- Email them as well, and attach this memo in opposition.
All NYSSFA Members
Contact the following legislators immediately using the letter to the right.
- Senator Monica Martinez (Senate sponsor): martinez@nysenate.gov
- Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: scousins@nysenate.gov
- Assemblymember Michaelle Solages (Assembly sponsor): solagesm@nyassembly.gov
- Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: speaker@nyassembly.gov
Key Talking Points:
- This bill requires PLAs- limiting local choice. School districts already have the authority to use PLAs when appropriate. This bill removes local
discretion and imposes a mandate instead of preserving the ability of a district to do its due diligence and select a construction firm that best fits the project.
2. Safety is our top priority. A construction management team is responsible for ensuring that safety protocols are followed and
maintained throughout the duration of each and every project, regardless of the type of workforce being used. All projects in New York State with a value over $250,000 require OSHA training, and site-
specific safety plans are tailored to the unique conditions and hazards of every project to ensure the safety of all workers.
3. Mandatory PLAs increase construction costs and reduce competition. Limiting competition by restricting the pool of eligible contractors that can be used on a construction project reduces a project’s pool of bidders and increases project costs, leaving fewer resources for
classrooms and students in districts that already face higher taxes and costs of living.
3. We are not anti-union. School construction projects already require prevailing wages and strong labor protections; our concerns stem from the fact that a mandate would inhibit our project planning and execution.
4. There is no Long Island–specific problem justifying this bill. There is no evidence to show any reasons to single out Nassau and Suffolk Counties for a mandate.
How to Find Your Local Legislators:
- Go to the VoterVoice homepage and enter your zip code in the section that says “View Your Election Center”
- Once you enter your zip code, you’ll be asked for your street address
- This will take you to your personal “Election Center” page. Click “View Officials” then click “Continue”
- You’ll then have the choice of viewing your Federal and State elected officials. The links provided will include email and mailing addresses and, in some cases, phone numbers
For more resources, please visit the NYSSFA Toolkit. ACT NOW - Every call and email counts!
For questions, contact NYSSFA at info@nyssfa.com