New Jersey City University (NJCU) and the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council (HCBT) have extended their historic Project Labor Agreement (PLA) during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on NJCU’s campus. Originally signed on January 31, 2023, the agreement made NJCU the first public university in New Jersey to mandate union labor for all construction projects exceeding $5 million.
The renewed agreement, signed by NJCU Interim President Andrés Acebo and HCBT President Patrick Kelleher, extends this partnership through at least January 1, 2027.
A Continued Commitment to Economic Opportunity
The PLA reaffirms NJCU’s dedication to partnering with local labor organizations and community leaders, ensuring that Hudson County residents benefit from future university construction projects. The accompanying MOU also sustains internship and externship opportunities for NJCU students to gain hands-on trade experience
“The extension of our project labor agreement and memorandum of understanding represents a continuation of one of our university’s most valued partnerships,” said President Acebo. “As we build our second century, we do so with partners who share our commitment to educational and community development.”
Kelleher emphasized the personal connection between the trades and NJCU: “Many of our Building Trades members, their kids, and their families went to this institution and will now work on projects where they live. This doesn’t just benefit Jersey City but the entire county and beyond.”
Leadership Applauds Renewal
The signing ceremony included remarks from Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, along with HCBT leadership, including:
- Thomas Hurley (Vice President, Carpenter Local 253)
- DJ Heal (Recording Secretary, Electricians Local 164)
- Jimmy Kearns (Trustee, DC 21 Tapers)
- Frank Alvarez (Trustee, DC 21 Painters)
O’Dea praised NJCU’s leadership, stating, “This agreement isn’t just important—it’s absolutely critical. Ensuring these projects are completed with union labor and developing apprenticeship programs for Jersey City and Hudson County residents is essential for our economic future.”
With this extension, NJCU continues to set a precedent among higher education institutions, prioritizing skilled labor, student workforce development, and long-term economic impact for the Hudson County community.
