ABC Metro Washington: What Every CBE Must Know About Project Labor Agreements

Government-mandated Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) can present serious challenges for Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs)—from added costs to legal and operational risks.

Partner Marc Furman joins Benjamin Young, managing director of Georgetown Public Affairs, to walk attendees through the realities of PLAs and what every CBE needs to know before signing one in this ABC Metro Washington webinar.

Drawing on real-world examples, they’ll explore how PLAs are being implemented on D.C. projects, the hidden obligations often buried in the fine print, and how these agreements can expose CBEs to union-related liabilities, benefit fund contributions, and compliance burdens that threaten both profitability and independence.

Topics include:

• Recent PLA activity in D.C. and limited CBE exemptions
• Common PLA terms: union labor, double payments, and pension risks
• Operational and financial consequences for CBE owners
• How contractors can take action against mandated PLAs