Controversial Labor Agreement Set For Vote From Parsippany Council

PARSIPPANY, NJ — A controversial policy that would favor labor unions in obtaining contracts for large-scale public-construction projects is set for a vote at Tuesday evening's Parsippany Township Council meeting. Officials expect large crowds to once again pack seats and weigh in on the proposed project labor agreement.

The meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, will take place at a larger location than the usual Council Chambers: Parsippany Hills High School (20 Rita Dr., Morris Plains). The agenda includes another public discussion on the PLA.

Oct. 11's meeting drew hundreds of people, filling Town Hall's hallways while others had to wait outside because of overcrowding. More than 500 union members supporting the project labor agreement could attend Tuesday's meeting, the Parsippany Focus reports.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law last year that expanded the range of projects covered by the agreements. Under the law, municipal governments can now require that workers get hired through designated labor unions for major projects with price tags of at least $5 million.

Montclair and Toms River are among New Jersey's towns that have adopted project labor agreements. Supporters say the arrangements guarantee skilled labor, prevent low-balling and eliminate delays that can arise from labor conflicts or worker shortages. Critics say the agreements drive up costs and limit a town's choices.

The council voted 4-1 last month to introduce the PLA ordinance. Council Member Justin Musella — an outspoken critic of the township entering project labor agreements — cast the lone vote against introducing the ordinance.

"If passed, (the project labor agreement) will significantly contribute to our already unsustainable tax burden," Musella wrote in the Daily Record. "Parsippany residents deserve better than the implementation of bad economic policy and should expect better than to have taxpayer money wasted in this way."

Musella's opposition indicates some division on the issue within the all-Republican council. Mayor James Barberio, also a Republican, has expressed support for the agreement, as well.

Council Member Paul Carifi Jr. said the agreement would help ensure township projects include trained, qualified professionals.

"I don't want somebody that's hired off the street, not fully trained, to build something," Carifi said. "And they would be documented workers. They pay taxes. They are not people here illegally that are hired by people and then paid through them."

View the ordinance below: