Legal Definitions - job-targeting program

A job-targeting program is a strategic initiative undertaken by a labor union to secure or increase the amount of work available for its members within a specific industry or geographic area. This is typically achieved by providing financial assistance or other forms of support to unionized contractors who are bidding on particular projects. The goal is to help these contractors submit more competitive bids, thereby increasing the likelihood that union members will be hired for the work.

Here are some examples to illustrate how a job-targeting program might work:

• Example 1: Public Infrastructure Project

  Imagine a city announces a major project to build a new public library. Several construction companies, both unionized and non-unionized, are preparing bids. The local carpenters' union, wanting to ensure its members are employed on this significant project, might offer a subsidy or a temporary reduction in its standard labor rates to a unionized general contractor bidding on the library. This financial backing allows the unionized contractor to lower their overall bid, making it more competitive against non-union firms, without necessarily cutting the wages or benefits of the individual union carpenters. If the unionized contractor wins the bid, the union successfully targets jobs for its members on that specific project.

• Example 2: Commercial Building Renovation

  A large commercial property owner is planning an extensive renovation of an office tower, including significant electrical work. The local electricians' union observes that non-union electrical contractors are frequently winning bids for similar projects in the area due to lower labor costs. To counter this, the union might establish a fund to provide financial support to a unionized electrical company bidding on the office tower renovation. This support could help cover a portion of the unionized company's overhead or labor costs for that specific project, enabling them to submit a more attractive proposal to the property owner. By doing so, the union aims to secure the electrical work for its members and maintain its presence in the commercial renovation market.

• Example 3: Specialized Industrial Maintenance Contract

  A manufacturing plant needs to hire a contractor for a multi-year maintenance contract involving specialized pipefitting and welding. The local pipefitters' union is aware that several non-union companies from out of state are aggressively pursuing such contracts. To protect the job opportunities for its local members, the union might offer a "market recovery" incentive to a local unionized pipefitting contractor. This incentive could be a direct financial contribution or a temporary adjustment to certain union fund contributions, specifically tied to winning and executing this particular maintenance contract. This support helps the local unionized contractor present a more competitive bid, increasing the chances that union pipefitters will be employed for the duration of the maintenance agreement at the plant.