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Somerset County to advance resolution encouraging project labor agreements after union speakers urge support
Summary
The Somerset County Board of Commissioners agreed to move Resolution 25-1053 — a countywide policy encouraging project labor agreements (PLAs) on public construction — to the June 11 meeting after multiple union representatives and local residents urged the board to adopt PLAs to protect wages, safety and local hiring.
The Somerset County Board of Commissioners on May 27 agreed to place Resolution 25-1053, a measure that would require project labor agreements to be made part of certain public contracts where appropriate, on the agenda for its June 11 meeting after a series of public comments urging the county to adopt PLAs.
Supporters said PLAs improve project outcomes and provide training and hiring benefits. Daniel Saban, a representative with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, told commissioners, "PLAs are not just labor tools, they're smart public policy. They provide structure, stability, and accountability on large scale construction projects."
The nut of the matter is the county will consider a formal policy change that, if adopted, would set contract-level labor standards for large publicly funded construction projects. Proponents argued that PLAs ensure projects run on time, reduce disputes, and help keep taxpayer dollars in the local economy.
Other union speakers echoed that message. Joe Clucci of Ironworkers Local 11 said, "Project labor agreements are beneficial for Somerset County because they ensure high quality construction, promote fair wages, and prioritize local hiring, which strengthens our economy." Esteban Arias, a resident of Basking Ridge, described the PLA as "simply a pre hire collective bargaining agreement that sets terms and expectations for the workforce on a public construction project." Nick Castello, a business representative for IBW Local Union 102, said he would inform his membership if the county adopted PLA language.
Speakers also highlighted workforce and equity programs that PLAs can support. Several union representatives referenced apprentice pathways and veterans programs; for example, Clucci noted Helmets to Hard Hats as a program that helps veterans transition to construction careers.
Following public comments, commissioners voted to move the resolution forward to the June 11 meeting for consideration. The roll call on the motion recorded affirmative responses from Commissioner Drake, Commissioner Singletary, Deputy Director Murano and Director Robinson. No final adoption occurred at the May 27 work session; the resolution will return for formal consideration at the June 11 meeting.
The public comment period that preceded the motion featured multiple union representatives and at least two residents who said PLAs had provided training and stable careers. Commissioners also offered verbal thanks to the speakers and said the matter merited prompt consideration.
The county did not adopt a PLA on May 27; it only approved placing Resolution 25-1053 on the next regular meeting agenda so the full board can deliberate and vote.
Looking ahead, the resolution will appear on the June 11 agenda for formal action and any additional public comment. The commissioners’ office and county council handled the procedural motion to advance the item during the May 27 work session.
