A Marion County Circuit Court judge blocked an executive order issued by Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek that would have required state agencies to negotiate project labor agreements (PLAs) on most state-funded construction projects. The order, issued in December 2024, aimed to expand union participation in major state construction work, including projects such as seismic upgrades to bridges.
Ruling from the bench, Judge Thomas Hart found the executive order unconstitutional, determining that such policy changes must go through the legislative process rather than be implemented through executive action.
“We welcome the court’s ruling blocking Governor Kotek’s executive order mandating project labor agreements on state construction projects. The judge rightly recognized that such sweeping policy changes must come through the legislative process, not unilateral executive action,” said AFFT CEO Chip Rogers.
“Project labor agreement mandates restrict competition, reduce opportunities for many qualified contractors and workers, and risk driving up costs for taxpayers. Public construction projects should be open to all qualified businesses and workers, regardless of whether they operate under union or non-union models,” said Rogers.
At AFFT we believe this ruling is an important affirmation of the rule of law and the principle of fair and open competition in public contracting. We will continue to support policies that protect worker freedom, encourage competition, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.
We will also continue to monitor this case should the ruling be appealed.