Union Issues Resolved at PetSmart After Protest

The rat was back on Millburn Avenue on Monday, but it had moved up the street a bit.

Members of Labors Local 1153, part of Labors Eastern Region, were protesting in front of 187 Millburn Ave. that there is a lack of union labor on the PetSmart construction project. But by the end of the day, the issues had been resolved.

Jeremy Delgado, union organizer, said earlier in the day the contractor for the project told them there would be 100 percent union labor used, but that hasn't happened. "We've reached out (to the contractor) and this has not been resolved," he said.

But by the end of the day, the union had negotiated for a laborers to be added to the crew for the project. Delgado said the union is extremely happy and the laborer would be starting work on Tuesday.

Jessica White, a PetSmart spokeswoman, said the company wants to use contractors that are fair and balanced in the type of workers they use.

Delgado said earlier in the day there are a number of union members who live in Millburn and the union leadership wants them used on the project.

The union organizers at the scene also said early in the day work was being done in the future PetSmart location without the proper permits from the township. Township officials said a certain level of work, including demolition, is allowed without the permits.

PetSmart will be located next to Trader Joe's in what used to be Whole Foods. Trader Joe's opened on Friday. White said an opening date for PetSmart has yet to be determined. The project was approved in May.

Monday's protest is the second such one in the last two months. The union also protested at Congregation B'nai Israel in September, but those issues have been resolved.