Governor Brown recently signed two new laws authorizing school districts to award construction contracts by means other than competitive bidding. These laws, AB 1185 and AB 1358, also introduce extremely stringent “skilled workforce” requirements. The skilled workforce requirements will make it extremely difficult for most nonunion contractors to perform work on projects awarded pursuant to the new laws. The laws are part of an ongoing effort by unions and their legislative allies to promote union contractors and deter nonunion companies from participating in construction of public works. Read more → Skilled Workforce Alert (00177400x9F7BE)
