As you mentioned, this is only an “opinion” piece but to me, contains erroneous implications. The EO specifically states it does NOT require an executive agency to use a project labor agreement (SEC. 5) and allow all contractors and subcontractors to compete for contracts and subcontracts without regard to whether they are otherwise parties to collective bargaining agreements (SEC 4(b)

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_...ctionProjects/

“…taxpayers will feel plenty of pain, too” is also a gross exaggeration, with zero mention of the Davis Bacon Act that already controls wages and benefit rates on federal construction projects that more often than not mimic the union rate in the area. Unless we expect these projects to follow the lead of our pitiful housing industry and be built by illegal aliens from south of the border it is money well spent to employ quality American craftsmen.

http://www.gpo.gov/davisbacon/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis%E2%80%93Bacon_Act

If this is the big union “payback” it sorely lacks substance. It (EO) is no more than an obligatory “bone” thrown at labor with little meat. It does demonstrate Obama’s support for organized labor but does little to change the status quo. In true fashion it is a lot of words that do nothing.