PLA discussion overdue

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Before Nov. 9, elected officials did not discuss in public meetings the idea of using a project labor agreement for construction of the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Nonetheless, the City Council voted 6-2 that night to have the city manager negotiate a PLA agreement.

Council member Pat Shey cried foul the next day, saying such a major issue should have been discussed publicly before it showed up on the Nov. 9 agenda. We agree, although the city's interest in a PLA shouldn't be any surprise.

To be clear: The council's Nov. 9 action did not approve using a PLA. Council members must still vote on the agreement that is drawn up, deciding whether the terms are OK, revisions are needed or they don't want a PLA. That said, it appears there's substantial support on the Council for a PLA, especially one that would ensure substantial employment of local workers, union or otherwise.

PLAs, once largely confined to the private sector, are becoming more common in Iowa public (taxpayer-funded) projects since Polk County used one to build the Wells Fargo Arena a few years ago. Essentially, a PLA requires contractors to pay the prevailing wage and benefits that are established through existing local union contract negotiations. A PLA also is supposed to bring a project home on time and on budget by getting all the participants to agree to several ground rules in advance, such as no labor walkouts and lockouts allowed.

Do they consistently accomplish those things, while affording fair opportunity to both union and non-union, qualified workers and contractors? Well, we have found many conflicting studies.

Meanwhile, Linn County has incorporated PLAs into several of its flood recovery construction projects. A PLA will be used for the first time on a large

construction project at the University of Iowa, the new $72 million UI outpatient clinic in Coralville

Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett earlier this year voiced support for using prevailing wage rates in large city projects, and has at least publicly hinted at using PLAs for months.

Still, none of the council members who responded to our query could remember any public meeting discussion about PLA use before the Nov. 9 vote. Kris Gulick was among them but told us he expects the council will have a full discussion on the topic once the first draft of the PLA is on the table.

The city wants and needs to push ahead on this important, complex project. It's vital to robust economic development in the city's core as our flood recovery continues. However, with $75 million-plus of federal, state and likely local taxpayer money at stake, city leaders are obligated to publicly examine this sensitive issue and help the community understand the potential ramifications.

So far, that hasn't happened.