Beaver State News

SALEM, Ore. – A Marion County Circuit Court judge has put a temporary hold on an executive order from Gov. Kotek that would have mandated project labor agreements on state construction projects. This decision comes after a legal challenge by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) along with other industry associations and several contractors based in Oregon.

Anthony Smith, the NFIB Oregon State Director, commented on the ruling by stating, "NFIB’s small business members welcome Judge Hart’s decision. They’re looking forward to continuing to bid on public projects – and get them built. There are limits to executive power and we’re grateful to the court for this acknowledgment."

The filed lawsuit contends that enforcing union-only project labor agreements on state construction endeavors would not only disadvantage small business contractors by excluding them from competing for these projects but would also lead to higher expenses for taxpayers funding these projects. With the injunction in place, the implementation of Gov. Kotek's executive order will be stalled as the court examines the lawsuit's claims.

The NFIB's Small Business Legal Center is dedicated to defending small business owners' rights in the legal system. The organization is actively involved in over 40 federal and state court cases, including matters heard before the U.S. Supreme Court.