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Achieve the Greatest Value
'Open shops are 20-30 percent less expensive than union shops.'

PLA:
Public Loses Again

Download MCA's free analysis of Project Labor Agreements. A must-read for project stakeholders to understand the true cost of PLAs.

"PLA: Public Loses, Again, The Case Against Project Labor Agreements & For Fair & Open Competition in Construction."

MERIT SHOPS BUILD BEST

Skill, Quality, Value & Professionalism

The construction professionals at merit shops successfully build projects of any size, delivering:

  • Quality & value

  • Customer satisfaction

  • Pride in their work

  • Professionalism

  • Skilled, trained & licensed craftspeople

  • Loyal employees who are a majority of the workforce

You Win When
We Compete

Competition creates incentive to deliver the best: 

  • Price

  • Ability

  • Experience

  • Safety record

  • Workforce

 

Public and private projects win with fair and open competition.  They lose when free markets are manipulated. 

We Advocate for Fair & Open Competition

The Merit Construction Alliance advocates for fair and open competition and promotes the advantages of hiring merit shops.

 

We ask only for:.

  • Fair & transparent bidding

  • A chance to compete on a level playing field

  • Equal treatment for all and no market manipulation to benefit special interests 

SERVICES
ADVOCACY

FAIR & OPEN COMPETITION

Federal & State Laws 
Promote Fairness

Why courts strike down schemes to lock out merit shops

Canva - Construction Worker Carrying a Plywood.jpg

Why Do Most Construction Workers Select Merit Shops?

Merit Shops Offer Best Chance for Labor Peace & Harmony

Worcester stadium construction must follow state laws

Read More >

Worcester & Lowell Reject Project Labor Agreements

Experience, skills, dedication & professionalism - without the headaches

Read More >

ABOUT

ABOUT

The Merit Construction Alliance advocates for fair and open competition in the construction marketplace.  We believe building contracts should be awarded based on quality, value, safety, and adherence to budgets and timelines. The MCA encourages project owners to invite all qualified construction firms - non-union and union - to bid on a level playing field.

 

Open shop construction is the preferred choice in Massachusetts and the nation.The private and public sectors recognize the benefits of quality workmanship, competitive pricing and attention to customer service – the hallmarks of merit shop contractors.

 

Open shops are also preferred by the construction workforce. In Massachusetts, four out of five construction workers are employed by merit shops.

 

The MCA knows construction projects are weakened by special-interest schemes, market manipulation, false information and intimidation tactics. We believe the projects and the industry are stronger when built on a foundation of fair and open competition.

1997

$2.06B

84%

0

Year Established
Value of Projects Kept Open to All
Workers Choose
Merit Shops in Mass.
Strikes by Merit
Shop Employees

MEMBERSHIP

Support Fair & Open Competition
Request More Information

For more information about the benefits of fair and open competition, or about joining MCA, please complete the form below.

Thank you for your inquiry. We will be in touch shortly.

CONTACT
Membership Form
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