Legal Advocacy

The Construction Legal Rights Foundation (CLRF) exists specifically to “preserve, protect and defend the free enterprise system in construction” through legal advocacy, issue campaigns, amicus briefs and rapid response efforts when anti-competitive policies threaten merit shop contractors. The foundation supports precedent-setting cases, fair and open competition initiatives and emergency responses to policies that negatively impact merit shop businesses.

ABC nationally and locally also advocates on behalf of merit shop contractors through government representation, legal action and grassroots advocacy to ensure contracts are awarded based on qualifications and competition rather than labor affiliation.

ABC San Diego believes contractors should have the opportunity to compete and succeed based on performance, safety, quality and value—not on labor affiliation.

As part of the nationwide Associated Builders and Contractors network, ABC San Diego supports the principles of:

• Fair and open competition
• Free enterprise
• Protection of employer and employee choice
• Responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars
• Contracts awarded to the most qualified and responsible bidder
• A level playing field for all contractors and workers.

Construction businesses today face increasing legal and regulatory challenges, including:

• Restrictive procurement policies
• Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)
• Prevailing wage requirements
• Apprenticeship regulations
• Regulatory overreach
• Employment and labor law changes
• Government policies that may limit competition or increase the cost of doing business.

ABC San Diego works alongside ABC of California and ABC National to ensure that merit shop contractors have a strong voice in the legislative, regulatory and legal process.

Through our connection with the Construction Legal Rights Foundation, ABC members have access to a national network dedicated to preserving and defending the free enterprise construction industry.

The Construction Legal Rights Foundation may support:

• Precedent-setting legal cases impacting merit shop contractors
• Legal issue advocacy campaigns
• Amicus brief support
• Emergency response efforts when anti-competitive policies threaten open competition
• Advocacy efforts that protect the rights of contractors and employees to compete fairly in the marketplace. ([ABC][1])

While legal support through CLRF is determined through a formal review process, ABC San Diego can help members understand available resources and connect with the appropriate advocacy channels.

We advocate for policies that:

• Promote fair and open competition.
• Protect merit shop opportunities.
• Support workforce development.
• Reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.
• Preserve the freedom of contractors and employees to choose how they work.
• Ensure taxpayer-funded projects remain open to all qualified contractors.