More Union County construction projects will now require union labor after county officials lowered the threshold for Project Labor Agreements from $5 million to $3 million.
The Board of County Commissioners approved the change Tuesday, July 14, expanding the number of county-funded projects covered by agreements that set wages, benefits, training requirements and working conditions before construction begins.
County officials said the move will increase opportunities for skilled workers and apprentices while helping ensure projects are completed with qualified labor.
“Lowering the threshold for our Project Labor Agreement requirements from $5 million to $3 million reflects that commitment,” Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek said in a statement.
What projects are affected?
The change applies to county-funded construction projects, including several Union County Improvement Authority projects that previously fell below the old limit. Those include:
- Green Lane Park improvements in Union Township ($3.6 million)
- Warinanco Park Baseball Field improvements ($4.6 million)
- Glenside Park improvements in Scotch Plains ($4.9 million)
The $5.5 million Watchung Stable renovation in Mountainside was already covered under the previous rules.
Summit projects funded by the city, including Park Line Phase III and Canoe Brook Parkway improvements, are not affected.
Why now?
The county's decision follows a state law signed in January that removed New Jersey's previous $5 million minimum for requiring PLAs. The law now allows municipalities and counties to set their own thresholds.
Supporters say PLAs provide consistency, protect workers and create apprenticeship opportunities. Critics argue they can make it harder for smaller and non-union contractors to compete for public projects.
The county has not announced when the new rules will take effect or which project will be the first to fall under the $3 million threshold. New requirements will be included in future bidding and procurement documents.
