By Suzanne Downing 
A family-run Alaska business is taking on the federal government over a rule that forces contractors to sign union agreements before bidding on large federal construction projects.
Slayden Plumbing & Heating, Inc., founded in 1979 by Bill Slayden in his Anchorage garage, grew into one of Alaska’s leading mechanical contractors, employing more than 60 people and competing for multimillion-dollar federal projects across the state. But that came to an abrupt halt after President Joe Biden’s 2022 Executive Order 14063 mandated project labor agreements with unions for all federal construction contracts over $35 million.
That order, turned into a binding regulation in January 2024 by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, means companies like Slayden can no longer bid on most major federal work unless they agree to union terms crafted without their input.
Slayden, represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, has filed suit arguing that the mandate exceeds presidential authority and violates the Constitution’s separation of powers. The lawsuit contends the White House is using the federal Procurement Act to regulate labor policy nationwide, something Congress never authorized.
For Slayden’s employees, the rule is a direct blow to their independence. The company’s workforce has consistently rejected union affiliation, preferring Slayden’s existing benefits: paid holidays, sick leave, a generous 401(k) match, medical coverage, and profit-sharing bonuses. To comply with the mandate, the company would have to force employees to affiliate with and pay dues to unions they do not wish to join.
The company has already withdrawn bids for at least two major projects at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and says the rule continues to cost it opportunities. “The federal government shouldn’t be able to pick winners and losers in the construction industry,” Pacific Legal Foundation attorneys argue. “Congress never gave the president the power to require unionization by executive order.”
Although initially issued under Biden, the rule remains in effect under the Trump administration, which has not rescinded or suspended the mandate.
If successful, the case could restore the right of independent contractors to compete for federal projects without union constraints — and reaffirm limits on executive power that reach far beyond Alaska’s borders. More information is at this Pacific Legal Foundation link.
We need to wish Bill and PLF the very best in this battle. Bill’s company has been in business a long time, a testament to the quality and workmanship of their craftsmen. Unionism doesn’t ensure quality; it just ensures that many owners will pay more for the work performed for them. And we really see that in the public sector.
Agreed. Two more things: 1) Unionism = Communism, and 2) Union leaderships care more about their next boondoggle to Las Vegas than they do about any member. Unfortunately, most union members are sheep, unwilling or unable to think for themselves.
This rule has cost government contracting a fortune. AK is not a big union place, so getting union-only help costs more than most of the competent help available without the dues. It limits the pool of candidates for the work, so prices go high. It’s about time somebody sued to change this silly rule.
Agree 100%
Going to work for Slayden Plumbing in Fairbanks was the best work decision I ever made. Never before did I have paid holidays, sick leave, a 401(k) retirement match and medical coverage. Originally I belonged to a union but they were crooked as a snake so I got out. Thank you Bill Slayden for standing up for workers!
Going to work for Slayden Plumbing in Fairbanks was the best work decision I ever made. Never before did I have paid holidays, sick leave, a 401(k) retirement match, and medical coverage. Originally, I belonged to a union but they were crooked as a snake so I got out. Thank you Bill Slayden for standing up for workers!
Good post Danny. I bet you are no supporter of Click Bishop, who is a candidate for governor. Bishop was a union boss of Local 302 Operating Engineers. He is a certifiable goon, not to mention a low education product. And a supposed Republican who collaborated and allied with Democrats at every opportunity.