Marshall University Study Reveals Significant Economic Contributions of WV Building & Construction Trades
By Justin Williams, Administrator, West Virginia State Building and Construction Trades Council
Recently, a new study released by Marshall University shows the positive economic impact that Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) have on large-scale construction projects here in West Virginia.
For those unfamiliar, a PLA is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project. PLAs help ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and by a highly skilled, well-trained, and safety-conscious workforce. They also offer stability and predictability for both contractors and workers by prohibiting strikes and lockouts.
What makes this study significant is that it’s grounded in hard data from actual projects that have used PLAs versus those that haven’t. The findings reveal that PLA projects support higher wages, safer work environments, more robust local hiring, and most notably—a clear boost to apprenticeship training and workforce development. These are outcomes that benefit everyone, from workers and contractors to taxpayers and communities.
Here in West Virginia, we know the value of a hard day’s work—and we know that investing in our people is the surest way to build a stronger economy. PLAs are one of the most effective tools we have to support that vision. They ensure that public infrastructure projects provide meaningful opportunities for local workers, including veterans, women, and those historically underrepresented in the trades.
This isn’t just about building roads or schools—it’s about building careers, families, and futures. The study reaffirms what we’ve long believed: that when we invest in our skilled workforce, we all win.
If you’re interested in digging deeper, I encourage you to read the full report by Marshall University here. The data speaks for itself.
And if you’d like to see the real people behind the progress, check out photos from our 2025 Legislative Conference, where leaders, union members, and advocates came together to celebrate the work we’re doing across the Mountain State.
We look forward to continuing this momentum—and making sure West Virginia’s workforce stays strong, competitive, and proud.
