Connecticut General Statutes Title 31. Labor § 31-56b. Project labor agreements for public works projects

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of any general statute, regulation or requirement regarding procurement of goods or services, a public entity may require a project labor agreement for any public works project when such public entity has determined, on a project-by-project basis and acting within its discretion, that it is in the public's interest to require such an agreement. In making such determination, the public entity may consider the effects a project labor agreement may have on (1) the efficiency, cost and direct and indirect economic benefits to the public entity; (2) the availability of a skilled workforce to complete the public works project; (3) the prevention of construction delays; (4) the safety and quality of the public works project; (5) the advancement of minority and women-owned businesses; and (6) employment opportunities for the community.

(b) A public entity's decision to require a project labor agreement shall not be evidence of fraud, corruption or favoritism.

(c) Any project labor agreement required by a public entity pursuant to this section shall: (1) Set forth mutually binding procedures for resolving disputes that can be implemented without delay; (2) include guarantees against a strike, lockout or other concerted action aimed at slowing or stopping the progress of a public works project; (3) ensure a reliable source of skilled and experienced labor; (4) include goals for the number of apprentices and for a percentage of work to be performed by minorities, women and veterans; (5) invite all contractors to bid on the project without regard to whether the employees of any such contractor are members of a labor organization, as defined in section 31-101; (6) permit the selection of the lowest responsible qualified bidder without regard to labor organization affiliation; (7) not require compulsory labor organization membership of employees working on the project; and (8) bind all contractors and subcontractors to the terms of the agreement.

(d) Any bidder for a public works project that does not agree to abide by the conditions of the project labor agreement or a requirement to negotiate a project labor agreement shall not be regarded as a responsible qualified bidder for such project.