(TRENTON) – To allow more trades to participate in public works projects, legislation to expand the permissible use of project labor agreements (PLAs) beyond contracts for building-based projects received final legislative approval on Thursday, passing the full Assembly 62-6-8. It passed the Senate in March 31-6-3, and now goes to the Governor’s desk.
Under current law, PLAs may only be used for the construction, reconstruction, demolition, or renovations of buildings at the public expense. This measure (A-2607) would allow for PLAs to be used for highway, bridge, pumping station, and water and sewer treatment projects.
Bill sponsors, Assembly Democrats Wayne DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex), Joseph Egan (D-Middlesex, Somerset), Thomas Giblin (D-Essex, Passaic) and Anthony Verrelli (D-Mercer, Hunterdon) released the following joint statement:
“We want our construction and trade workers to have as many opportunities for work as possible. However, many trade unions are excluded from non-building public works projects under our current law. This legislation will open up opportunities for PLAs to be used in a wider variety of projects. Not only will this change create jobs for workers, but also give project owners more options when contracting for work. It’s a win-win for all.”