HR 506 — A Resolution recognizing June 16, 2026, as "Merit Shop Day" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.   3325

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 506
                                               Session of
                                                 2026

     INTRODUCED BY MALONEY, ANDERSON, GLEIM, GREINER, HAMM, KEPHART,
        KLUNK, M. MACKENZIE, ROWE, SCHEUREN, STEHR, STENDER AND
        ZIMMERMAN, APRIL 29, 2026

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND INDUSTRY, APRIL 29, 2026


                                A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing June 16, 2026, as "Merit Shop Day" in Pennsylvania.
 2      WHEREAS, The construction industry is one of our nation's
 3   largest industries, employing more than 5 million individuals in
 4   the United States; and
 5      WHEREAS, This Commonwealth relies on more than 200,000
 6   construction workers and has the fifth largest construction
 7   workforce in the nation; and
 8      WHEREAS, Merit shop construction contractors operate on the
 9   principles of free enterprise, open competition and the
10   selection of the most qualified and responsible contractors
11   based on merit, performance and value; and
12      WHEREAS, Merit shop construction contractors that are
13   nonaffiliated with a labor organization represent approximately
14   90% of the industry; and
15      WHEREAS, Merit shop registered apprenticeship programs have
16   graduated thousands of apprentices into skilled craft
17   professionals across the construction industry; and
 1         WHEREAS, Merit shop construction contractors significantly
 2   invest in their employee career development through registered
 3   apprenticeship programs, OSHA training, suicide prevention and
 4   re-entry opportunities for individuals returning from the
 5   criminal justice system in an effort to develop a highly
 6   skilled, diverse and safe construction workforce; and
 7         WHEREAS, Merit shop construction employees report rewarding
 8   careers in construction and high satisfaction as craft
 9   professionals; and
10         WHEREAS, Merit shop construction contractors play a vital
11   role in strengthening national, State and local economies by
12   undertaking projects that build and maintain essential
13   infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, transportation
14   systems, utilities, commercial facilities and housing; and
15         WHEREAS, Merit shops foster innovation, efficiency and cost-
16   effectiveness by encouraging competition, adopting innovative
17   construction technologies and implementing best practices in
18   project planning, safety and workforce development; and
19         WHEREAS, Merit shop construction contractors place a strong
20   emphasis on workplace safety, recognizing that protecting the
21   health and well-being of all workers is essential to project
22   success, community trust and long-term industry sustainability;
23   and
24         WHEREAS, Through their commitment to excellence, integrity
25   and accountability, merit shop construction contractors
26   positively impact communities by delivering projects that
27   enhance quality of life, promote economic development and
28   support public services; therefore be it
29         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize June
30   16, 2026, as "Merit Shop Day" in Pennsylvania.

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