When Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) block 90 percent of Maryland contractors from public work, it’s not just unfair — it’s un-American. Maryland is one of over 20 states that actively use PLAs, with similar schemes spreading nationwide. These government-mandated union deals now plague public projects in at least 25 states, granting monopolistic control to unionized firms and shutting out the vast majority of qualified — often local — contractors.
It’s a rigged game, but the problem goes far deeper than construction contracts.
Across the country, in every agency, school district and government office, public employees — whether union members or not — are forced to accept “exclusive representation” by private union organizations.
These unions speak for all employees, even those who want nothing to do with them. This isn’t just bad policy. it’s a direct violation of the First Amendment.
The First Amendment Wasn’t Meant to Stop at the Union Door
Imagine being told that if you want to serve your community — as a teacher, a firefighter or case worker — you must surrender your personal voice and submit to a private organization speaking on your behalf.
That’s the reality of exclusive representation in the public sector. Whether you agree with a union’s politics or not, you’re silenced.
You can’t negotiate your own terms. Your voice is taken, your agency removed, and your free speech rights trampled.
And here’s the kicker: These unions routinely use your supposed “representation” as political capital, funneling money and manpower into the very campaigns of the elected officials who also act as your employer.
In what alternate universe do private organizations get to sit on both sides of the bargaining table — while taxpayers are entirely cut out of the deal?
This isn’t a functional democratic system. It’s collusion, and the bill for it is presented to every taxpayer and every public employee stripped of their independence.
Debunking the “Freeloader” Fallacy
Union defenders love to toss around the term “free rider,” but let’s be clear: You cannot call someone a freeloader when they are forced into a representation agreement, they neither asked for nor wanted.
That’s not freeloading. That’s coercion.
The solution isn’t to compel dues from unwilling employees — it’s to end exclusive representation entirely. Let those who want union representation join and fund it. Let those who don’t negotiate for themselves or choose alternatives.
That’s how freedom works.
“Go Find Another Job”? That’s the Real Injustice
Union defenders often say, “If you don’t like working in a union shop, go find another job.” But let’s not forget, we’re not talking about private businesses here.
These are government jobs — our schools, our public safety departments, our state and local agencies. These roles are funded by taxpayers and exist to serve the public good — not to prop up union monopolies.
But the issue goes even deeper. When government partners exclusively with private unions to control access to these jobs, it shrinks the free market, not expands it. Government shouldn’t be in the business of creating monopolies that restrict employment to those who agree to be represented by a private organization.
That’s not choice — it’s coercion.
Which brings us right back to the core problem: Exclusive representation hijacks public service.
It forces individuals to surrender their First Amendment rights and accept the voice of a private special interest, even if they fundamentally disagree with it.
No one should be compelled to choose between a career in public service and their constitutional rights. And no taxpayer-funded job should come with the fine print: “Representation by a politically active private organization is required — like it or not.”
We can and must do better. The public sector should be open, accountable and free, not governed by private interests behind closed doors.
Even the Best Get Dragged Down
Some argue that unions help the majority. But even if that were true, what about the most talented and dedicated public employees? Those who could earn more, advance faster, or negotiate better benefits on their own? Under exclusive representation, their talents are socialized — traded for collective averages that serve the middle at the expense of the exceptional.
It’s a race to mediocrity that punishes excellence.
It’s Time to End Exclusive Representation in Government
The union model might work in private industry where both sides are free agents. But in government, exclusive representation distorts the democratic process, silences dissent and undermines public trust.
Let’s open the system. End mandatory union representation.
Give public employees their voice back, and let taxpayers finally have a seat at the table again.
