Robert Camarillo, Executive Secretary of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent Executive Order from Gov. Tina Kotek mandating Project Labor Agreements on certain state-funded construction projects.
Camarillo started his career as a structural ironworker with Iron Workers Local 29 in Portland. His journey from the field to leadership positions within the union culminated in his election as Executive Secretary of the Oregon State Building Trades Council in 2018. The Council, which represents 31 affiliate unions and approximately 25,000 members, serves as the political arm for the building trades in Oregon.
In December 2023, Gov. Kotek signed an Executive Order requiring PLAs on state-funded projects where on-site labor costs constitute 15 percent or more of the total construction costs. According to Camarillo, the order aims to improve timeliness, lower costs, invest in skilled workers and increase the quality of state construction projects.
Camarillo emphasized the significance of this order, stating this is a win for members of the Oregon building trades. He highlighted how the Executive Order demonstrates Gov. Kotek's commitment to “walking the walk” when it comes to supporting labor. Camarillo explained how the impact of this order extends beyond union members. It also levels the playing field for all contractors to be able to bid on these state-funded projects, which some of the contractors may not have had the opportunity to bid on before the Executive Order.
To hear the full discussion with Camarillo and learn more about the impact of PLAs on workers and the construction industry, listen to the above episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast.