ABC of Western WA - Championing Merit Shop Values
Championing Merit Shop Values: The Advocacy Work of ABC of Western Washington
At Bilotta & Company, CPAs, LLC, we proudly support the work of industry organizations that champion fairness, opportunity, and free enterprise. One such organization—Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Washington—stands out as a bold and effective advocate for the merit shop philosophy in the construction industry.
A Member-Driven Voice in Government
ABC of Western Washington is unique in that it derives its political and regulatory advocacy efforts directly from the needs and feedback of its members. Working hand-in-hand with ABC National, the organization represents its members at every level of government—local, state, and federal. From testifying on key legislation to shaping regulatory policy, ABC empowers contractors of all sizes to have a voice in the rules that govern their work.
Three Tiers of Advocacy: Local, State & Federal
ABC of Western Washington is the only organization solely dedicated to representing merit shop contractors in Olympia. Their Government Affairs team works closely with members to:
Craft compelling testimony that drives change.
Monitor and respond to legislation affecting construction businesses.
Ensure that the merit shop philosophy is front and center in policy discussions.
At the federal level, ABC National reinforces these efforts by engaging with Congress and federal agencies, making it a coordinated, three-tiered strategy that amplifies the voice of the merit shop community across the country.
Navigating Rulemaking with Precision
In addition to legislative advocacy, ABC also works at the regulatory level. Through direct engagement with state agencies like the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), ABC provides timely, member-informed feedback on proposed rule changes. This includes advocating for fair rule interpretations and defending against overreach that could disproportionately burden contractors—especially small and mid-sized firms.
Standing Firm on Key Industry Issues
Some recent highlights of ABC’s advocacy include:
HB 1777: This bill, a major priority for ABC, seeks to reform how apprenticeship programs are approved in Washington—limiting anti-competitive objections and improving access for merit shop training programs. Although the bill didn’t pass this year, ABC continues to push for its advancement in the next legislative session.
HB 1723 / SB 5572: ABC opposed legislation requiring Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for certain public school construction projects, which would limit contractor choice and competition. Their involvement helped stall its progress and keep future opportunities open for merit shop contractors.
Tri-State Apprenticeship Agreement: ABC successfully opposed changes that would have restricted apprentice mobility across Washington, Oregon, and Montana. Their advocacy included formal comments to L&I and direct communication with the Governor’s office, underscoring the importance of regional workforce flexibility.
Why This Matters
ABC of Western Washington is doing the hard work behind the scenes so that contractors can focus on building their businesses. Their unwavering commitment to merit shop values ensures a more open, competitive, and fair construction industry—values we proudly support.
At Bilotta & Company, CPAs, we believe strong advocacy is essential to a thriving industry. We're inspired by ABC’s leadership and encourage all our construction clients to engage with their work.
