Dozens of union laborers cheered when the Bayonne City Council unanimously passed a resolution in favor of the city project labor agreement at the council’s recent meeting.
The resolution authorized Mayor James Davis and City Clerk Robert Sloan to sign the 48-page pact that pledges that the city would use union labor on city projects in excess of $5 million.
“This agreement means several very positive things: Going forward, it means large construction projects will be guaranteed to include skilled and experienced labor; it provides for protection against costly project delays; and, it ensures that the maximum economic benefit is provided to the local economy and Bayonne residents,” Davis said in a written statement prior to the meeting. “Today is a great day for our city.”
“This does recognize how important the trades are to the people of Bayonne.” – Sharon Nadrowski
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Other benefits outlined were permitting wide flexibility in work scheduling and shift hours and times, providing comprehensive and standardized mechanisms for the settlement of work disputes, and furthering public policy objectives of improving employment opportunities for minorities, women, and the economically disadvantaged in the construction industry.
Davis thanked the City Council for taking the final steps to make the agreement a reality. He also extended special thanks to Pat Kelleher, president of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades, “for his cooperation and partnership as we work together to bring the labor community and the city of Bayonne closer than they have ever been before.”
Dozens of union members came to the June 17 council meeting to show their support for the agreement. The resolution was voted on early so all those in attendance could be a part of the announcement and passage.
At the meeting’s start, and on behalf of the union tradesmen and women, Kelleher urged the council to move the measure forward. He said the agreement was important. Bayonne has one of the largest per capita concentrations of union laborers of any city in New Jersey.
Saying thank you
“The AFL (American Federation of Labor) and affiliates are indebted to Mayor Davis, Business Administrator Joe DeMarco, and Chief of Staff Andrew Casais,” Kelleher said.
He thanked the city for providing the opportunity to put more union workers from Bayonne and the area into the building trades. Many of his union’s members come from Bayonne, Jersey City, and Hoboken.
He said his group had “proper standing” now in Bayonne, as in Jersey City.
“Whatever we can do, we’re always here to help you,” Kelleher said. Said Council President Sharon Nadrowski, “This does recognize how important the trades are to the people of Bayonne.”
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.To comment on this story online visit www.hudsonreporter.com.