Political Advocacy

What does ABC So Cal’s Government Affairs team do?

  • Represent members, workers, apprentices and the merit shop philosophy at local legislative meetings, hearings, press conferences and other forums
  • Educate the community about local legislation, candidates and elections
  • Ignite grassroots efforts (letter campaigns, phone calls, legislative visits) to support critical issues
  • Political fundraising to support construction-friendly candidates and legislation

What is your role?

As a constituent, you have a vital role to play in the legislative process. When you take the time to write, call or visit representatives in-person, they listen and take what you say into consideration.

Your story CAN change their view on the issues that affect you, your employees, and your community. Download the ABC Action App to share your story with your elected officials!

TAKE ACTION

ABC Action is an advanced advocacy tool that enables users to become a vital part of the ABC grassroots advocacy efforts and further the merit shop philosophy.

Building Alliances & Pro-Construction Coalitions

ABC SoCal members know that the construction industry is under constant assault from overbearing excessive government regulation. Together with our industry and community partners, we can help inform and educate our local leaders about the results their well-intentioned regulations have on everyday working Americans in the construction industry.

Building Alliances & Pro-Construction Coalitions

Whether it is supporting more state apprenticeship funding, or opposing a provision that discriminates against non-union (a.k.a. merit shop workers) or even writing a law that would help local government districts avoid discriminatory PLAs – ABC SoCal’s Government Affairs focus is to increase the political influence of ABC to advance the merit shop philosophy and free enterprise. ABC advocates for solutions that ensure regulations and legislation are consistent with the merit shop philosophy. 

What is a Project Labor Agreement (PLA)?

Project Labor Agreements are restrictive agreements that keep contractors and their highly skilled and trained employees from bidding on and winning construction projects. PLAs exclude the merit shop workforce from working on projects they are qualified for, which is discriminatory and can have costly side effects.

Fast Facts

  • PLAs drive up the price of a construction project and eliminate the benefits of competition

  • Government-mandated PLAs do not result in safer contracts/increase safety

  • Despite the arguments, PLAs do not guarantee local hire. In fact, PLAs leave local workers at home in favor of union workers

The Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA) is the action arm for small businesses, entrepreneurs and advocates of limited government, open and fair competition, and the economically sound principles upon which America was built. Free Enterprise Alliance’s mission is to educate ABC members and their employees, elected officials, and the public about the issues important to open competition in America. Based on the merit shop philosophy, we help our members develop people, win work and deliver work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.