Two of the biggest construction industry trade groups are denouncing a move by President Obama that they say could limit the number of workers hired on new federal jobs to build roads, bridges and buildings, at a time when construction employment is plummeting.

Obama issued an executive order Friday requiring federal agencies to consider putting in place agreements that set wages, work rules and other benefits when awarding major construction contracts.

Tommy Vietor, a White House spokesman, said the order does not require the use of union labor but encourages following rules that are set up before a project starts.

Washington Post