Why It Matters

The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) faces mounting threats to its core priorities. A federal court struck down Biden’s Project Labor Agreement mandate, while a Trump-appointed NLRB Republican majority is rolling back pro-union organizing rules.

Workforce development through bills like the BUILDS Act offers LIUNA’s only offensive opportunity, positioning registered apprenticeships as solutions to construction labor shortages.

By the Numbers

LIUNA’s $280,000 fourth quarter 2025 lobbying expenditure reflects defensive posturing: the union must fight to preserve prevailing wage standards under the Davis-Bacon Act and block anti-PLA legislation like the Fair and Open Competition Act.
LIUNA’s Q4 2025 lobbying disclosure shows expenditures conducted entirely through in-house operations.

The union represents a longtime lobbying powerhouse, filing 127 disclosures since 2003 and investing approximately $25.3 million over two decades. Of that total, $24.7 million came from in-house operations, with strategic external partnerships including Mallino Government Relations Inc. ($430,000, 2003-2014) and SMW Partners LLC ($180,000, 2017-2018).

LIUNA maintains consistent priorities: labor rights, prevailing wages, infrastructure investment, healthcare and retirement security, immigration reform, and energy policy.

The Agenda

LIUNA prioritizes prevailing wage standards under the Davis-Bacon Act, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, and federal support for Project Labor Agreements. The union also focuses on workforce development through registered apprenticeships, infrastructure spending with labor standards, healthcare protections for multi-employer pension plans, immigration reform with worker protections, and energy infrastructure projects.

These priorities face opposition from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), which supports the Fair and Open Competition Act prohibiting federal PLA requirements. Bipartisan workforce development legislation represents potential common ground despite deep divisions over union organizing protections.

Broader Context

LIUNA operates amid hostile congressional terrain. The Fair and Open Competition Act, championed by Republicans, targets Project Labor Agreements, while Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) introduced legislation weakening Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards.

Congress is advancing bipartisan legislation aligning with LIUNA interests. The BUILDS Act and CONSTRUCTS Act authorize grants for construction workforce training and registered apprenticeships. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) secured infrastructure funding for highway construction training.

Recent congressional hearings reveal intense NLRB focus. A June 2025 House hearing examined union recognition standards, while an October 2025 Senate hearing explored labor law modernization.

Between The Lines

Workforce development remains rare bipartisan territory. The BUILDS Act authorizes construction training grants through registered apprenticeships, while the CONSTRUCTS Act targets residential construction training with Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) backing its reintroduction.

However, LIUNA faces direct threats. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) champions the Fair and Open Competition Act prohibiting federal PLA requirements.

Democratic allies remain vocal. Reps. Jesús García (D-IL) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) met with building trades unions affirming collective bargaining support. Sens. Markey and Warren (D-MA) defended union-staffed offshore wind projects.

Competitive Landscape

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) leads opposition to LIUNA priorities, actively lobbying against PLAs, prevailing wages, and apprenticeship standards while pushing the Fair and Open Competition Act.

Allied organizations share overlapping interests. The National Electrical Contractors Association disclosed $350,000 in Q2 2025 lobbying on pension reform, apprenticeships, and infrastructure investment.

Congressional activity reflects sharp partisan divides. Republicans like Rep. Lloyd Smucker push to repeal prevailing wage protections, while Democrats including Sens. Markey and Warren defend union-backed projects.

The Bottom Line

LIUNA’s $280,000 Q4 2025 lobbying expenditure reflects sustained federal advocacy amid a contentious environment. Court rulings challenged Project Labor Agreements, while the NLRB shifts toward pro-employer positions. LIUNA’s core agenda faces opposition from the Associated Builders and Contractors, with congressional support divided along partisan lines. The union’s in-house lobbying strategy provides continuity, but political openings remain limited to workforce development initiatives like the BUILDS Act.

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