On March 12, 2026, a judge in Marion County, Oregon ruled that an executive order from Gov. Tina Kotek requiring project labor agreements (PLAs) in many state construction projects is unconstitutional.
A coalition of construction firms and advocacy groups, including IEC Oregon, served as the plaintiffs in the case, which was filed in February 2025. The executive order had the potential to shut IEC Oregon members out of most state- or locally funded projects in their communities.
“At times, it can feel like there are few victories for merit shop contractors in Oregon, which makes this win particularly significant,” said Cindy Regier, the executive director of IEC Oregon.
While Gov. Kotek’s executive order was found unconstitutional, the case hinged on the governor’s authority to issue the order, not the constitutionality of PLAs themselves. Marion County Judge Thomas Hart agreed with the plaintiffs’ argument that the executive order created new requirements on state contracting, a legislative act unauthorized for the executive branch.
Since PLAs are still presumed to be constitutional, there is still a risk that the Oregon legislature could enact a PLA mandate in response to Hart’s ruling. Members of IEC can track potential PLA legislation in any state as well as the U.S. Congress using the IEC State Legislation Tracker.
“This case highlights the power IEC chapters have to pursue meaningful change in their states,” said Jeremy Croft, senior manager of government affairs at IEC. “Hearing from local contractors about the high costs and inflexibility imposed by PLAs can help sway lawmakers away from this failed policy.”
IEC members have a chance to engage federal lawmakers directly at the IEC Policy Conference, scheduled for May 4-6 in Washington, D.C. Attendees will also hear from policy experts about issues that matter to electrical contractors, including PLAs, apprenticeships and workforce development, clean energy incentives, and small business regulation.
Congratulations to Cindy and her chapter on achieving this policy win for Oregon contractors! If you have a policy win to share, please contact IEC Government Affairs.