It seems to me this article leaves out some pertinent facts. All federal construction projects are covered by prevailing wage and benefit rates determined by the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division under the Davis-Bacon Act of 1931. These rates are often similar or identical to union wages and benefits. So to a contractor out of pocket expenses are the same.

Secondly, the article states “It encourages federal agencies to require 'project labor agreements' for all construction projects larger than $25 million”. This means that only contractors that agree to union representation are eligible for work financed by the U.S. taxpayer.”
“Encourages” is not a mandate. A “project labor agreement” applies to that one job only, not a lifetime commitment. The last sentence “This means that only contractors that agree ….” is erroneous. ANY contractor is eligible as long as requirements such as bonding, stability, etc. are met.

Without a doubt construction unions stand to temporarily benefit in the form of dues and membership. But the fundamental requirements to bid on a federal project have been in place for years and the potential impact of this executive order seem minimal.