Citing taxpayer savings and assuring quality work, IllinoisAFL-CIOPresident Michael T. Carrigan applauded Gov. Pat Quinn for signing into law the use of Project Labor Agreements on public works projects inIllinois.

 “PLAs have worked inIllinoisand across this country for decades,” Carrigan said. “We have a legacy inIllinoisof tending to our infrastructure needs and we’ve used PLAs to get them done under budget, on time and with quality workmanship. This law is the continuation of good public policy.”

 Project Labor Agreements are pre-hire, pre-bid contracts used to provide a mechanism for quickly staffing the job with the most highly-trained employees from all of the trades ensuring on-time and on-budget construction.

 Illinoishas used PLAs under Executive Orders issued by Gov. Rod Blagojevich and, most recently, Quinn. With this new law passed by the General Assembly, Project Labor Agreements may be used by state agencies now and into the future.

 Carrigan applauded the General Assembly for passing the bill, especially bill sponsors Rep. Pat Verschoore and Sen. Toi Hutchinson.

 “This is a prime example of government doing what it should to rid projects of waste and inefficiency,” Carrigan said. “Public works projects will use taxpayer money wisely and each dollar will go to makingIllinoisa better state.”