President Barack Obama recently signed four Executive Orders that favor organized labor by reversing certain Bush-administration policies, and by imposing new pro-labor rules on federal contractors and subcontractors.
The President’s new Executive Orders are linked and summarized below.
Economy in Government Contracting
Prohibits federal contractors from seeking government reimbursement for costs incurred in persuading employees to exercise or not to exercise their right to unionize and bargain collectively.
Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws
Requires federal contractors to conspicuously display specific notices designated by the Secretary of Labor, informing employees of their right to form and join unions. Also requires contractors to comply with all provisions of the notices and related rules, regulations, and orders.
Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts
When a federal contractor enters into a new government contract to perform similar services at the same location as under a previous government contract, then this Executive Order requires the contractor to offer continued employment to qualified employees who worked under the previous contract, if the new contract would otherwise cause the employees to lose their jobs.
This Executive Order also applies to federal subcontractors and their employees. It does not, however, require either contractors or subcontractors to offer continued employment to managerial and supervisory employees.
Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects
Authorizes executive agencies to require federal contractors and subcontractors to enter into project labor agreements (PLAs) for large-scale government construction projects, in order to promote the efficient and expeditious completion of federal construction contracts, provide a steady supply of labor for government construction projects, and avoid labor disputes that can disrupt government projects.
As referenced in the Executive Order, PLAs are collective bargaining agreements that contractors and subcontractors must negotiate with unions when required for specific government construction projects, prior to the contractors and subcontractors hiring workers to complete the projects.
Consult an attorney for legal advice regarding these Executive Orders.
