The revised policy will expand project labor agreement requirements to more county-funded construction projects.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners has approved lowering the threshold requiring a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) on county construction projects from $5 million to $3 million, extending PLA requirements to additional public construction projects throughout the county.
Related guide: Project labor agreements in New Jersey: the law and the 2026 change
The change means more public projects will be built under a Project Labor Agreement, a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement that establishes wages, working conditions and dispute resolution procedures before construction begins. PLAs are designed to promote labor stability, reduce delays and provide owners with access to a highly trained workforce. Learn more about what a Project Labor Agreement is here.
Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek said the revised threshold reflects the county’s continued commitment to skilled trades and high labor standards.
“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,” Bodek said.
More projects will be covered by PLAs
By lowering the threshold, Union County can require PLAs on projects valued between $3 million and $5 million that previously were not subject to the county’s policy.
County officials said the change is expected to create additional opportunities for union construction workers, registered apprentices and local residents pursuing careers in the skilled trades while helping deliver projects safely, on time and with greater cost certainty.
William Mullen, president of the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council, called the policy a smart investment for both taxpayers and the construction workforce, while Union County Central Labor Council President Roc White said the revised threshold will create more opportunities for local workers and apprentices.
Anthony Abrantes, assistant executive secretary-treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, said the expanded use of PLAs will strengthen workforce development, support registered apprenticeship programs and generate long-term economic benefits for the region.
Implementation
Union County will incorporate the new $3 million threshold into future procurement and bidding requirements. Contractors bidding on covered projects will be required to comply with the terms of the applicable Project Labor Agreement.
The policy was approved by the Union County Board of County Commissioners in July 2026.
For additional details, read the official Union County announcement.
