Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker made history this week by signing a landmark executive order directing all city agencies to develop Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) prior to awarding contracts for taxpayer-funded projects. This decisive action — championed by the Philadelphia Building Trades, led by Business Manager Ryan Boyer, IBEW Local 98 Business Manager Mark Lynch Jr., and affiliated Local Unions — represents a major step forward in raising the standards for city construction work while expanding job opportunities for local workers.

Mayor Parker’s vision: fairness, quality, and safety

Mayor Parker underscored her administration’s commitment to equitable development and high-quality public work:

“The City of Philadelphia is unapologetic about making sure that when we work on public work projects, any contractor interested in working and competing will have the ability to do so—but this agreement ensures that every contractor is playing by the same set of standards. The order guarantees employees are paid fairly, receive health benefits, work in a safe environment, and are properly trained to complete the job. We want this order to help get shovels in the ground now. We want to create partnerships to upgrade our rec centers, create more affordable housing, and continue creating work opportunities for all. This makes us who we are—building a united Philadelphia in a fair way.”

Union leaders applaud the move

Mark Lynch Jr., Business Manager of IBEW Local 98, emphasized how the PLA benefits both workers and responsible contractors:

“Our job as union leaders is to do whatever it takes to create more working hours for our members. We will use every tool in our box to put our members to work, and this agreement helps us do that. By creating a fair playing field that both union and non-union contractors must abide by, it helps our contractors compete for jobs—jobs that now come with real standards. Our workforce is the best trained and most experienced to get these city projects done on time, on budget, and with local, tax-paying Philadelphians doing the work. I’m very excited about our continued partnership with the city and with the men and women who make Philadelphia a first-class destination for business.”

For years, IBEW 98 members have asked what their elected officials are doing to bring more work and opportunity to the table. This executive order is the tangible answer.

TJ Lepera, IBEW 98 Political Director, highlighted the union’s strategic impact:

“IBEW 98’s success proves that with analysis, capital, and execution, we can achieve anything. Our political strategy helped elect a mayor who stands with the trades—and who just signed a PLA to secure our future.”

What is a Project Labor Agreement (PLA)?

A PLA is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement for a specific construction project that sets the terms and conditions of employment for all workers on that project, binding all contractors and subcontractors. PLAs:

• Establish employment terms — setting wages, benefits, and working conditions.

• Ensure project stability — preventing strikes, lockouts, and other costly work stoppages.

• Provide dispute resolution — ensuring quick resolution of labor disputes.

• Apply to all contractors — union and non-union alike, ensuring uniform standards.

A stronger future for Philadelphia

This historic executive order reflects a growing commitment to invest in the city’s infrastructure and workforce, ensuring that local workers benefit from the jobs their tax dollars create. It marks a new era of collaboration between labor, contractors, and city government to build a fairer, safer, and stronger Philadelphia.