New Project Labor Agreement Law Gives NJ Construction Workers Better Benefits
Maria Torres · Union County Life
Union County's project labor agreement threshold has been lowered, affecting how the county structures public construction projects across all 21 municipalities. On July 23, 2026, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved reducing the threshold for project labor agreements from $5 million to $3 million, responding to a state law mandate issued earlier in 2026.
Project labor agreements are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements between project owners and labor unions that set employment terms, wages, and benefits for construction work. They also establish standards for job stability, project schedules, and worker qualification. Union County has long used these agreements on qualifying projects, and the lower threshold will extend their protections to more county-funded construction.
"This change expands opportunities for our local skilled trades, strengthens labor standards and ensures more county projects are built by the highly trained workforce that residents expect and deserve," Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Joseph Bodek said in a statement.
The threshold reduction reflects a broader shift in New Jersey policy toward strengthening labor protections on public works. Under the new state law, project labor agreements promote orderly, productive work environments and reduce the risk of strikes, lockouts, or project delays. They also allow public agencies to predict project costs more accurately and can lower maintenance and repair costs over a project's lifetime.
Union County Counsel Bruce Bergen confirmed that the threshold change will not alter the county's bidding process for construction projects and is unlikely to affect state aid or funding from capital bond ordinances. This means municipalities across Union County can plan for public works projects with predictable costs and labor standards built in.
"Lowering the project labor agreement threshold to $3 million is a smart investment in Union County's workforce and taxpayers, and we commend the commissioners for their leadership and commitment to delivering high-quality public infrastructure projects for residents," said William Mullen, president of the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council.
For more Union County government news and policy updates, visit Union County Life.
FAQ
Q: What is a project labor agreement?
A: A project labor agreement is a contract between project owners and labor unions that sets wages, benefits, and working conditions for construction projects. It ensures consistent labor standards and helps prevent project delays.
Q: Why did Union County lower the threshold from $5 million to $3 million?
A: New Jersey state law, enacted earlier in 2026, required the lower threshold. The county approved this change to expand union worker protections on more public construction projects and strengthen labor standards across all 21 municipalities.
Q: Does this change affect the cost of county projects?
A: No. Union County Counsel confirmed that the threshold change will not affect the bidding process or county costs. The change may actually lower long-term maintenance costs and help the county predict project expenses more accurately.
Q: Which county projects will now require project labor agreements?
A: Any Union County construction project valued at $3 million or more will now fall under project labor agreement requirements. This includes municipal infrastructure, public works, and facilities improvements.
Q: Will this affect property taxes?
A: The threshold change is not expected to increase costs. Project labor agreements help stabilize labor practices and reduce overall project risks, which can offset costs through improved efficiency and reduced delays.
Q: Where can I find more Union County government news?
A: Union County Life covers government policy, municipal announcements, and civic updates across all 21 municipalities. Visit unioncountylife.com for the latest Union County news
