Mayor Fulop and Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey Introduce New Ordinance to Safeguard Local Workers and Increase Employment Opportunities

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey announce the introduction of an ordinance to require all contractors and subcontractors on construction and infrastructure contracts to participate in an Apprenticeship Training Program with apprentices employed on applicable projects with appropriate compensation based on prevailing wage rates.  The ordinance looks to create more job opportunities for individuals interested in the trades unions, and encourage more residents to consider a career in the industry.

“The ordinance places an added focus on requiring construction companies to utilize local labor at adequate pay, creating more gainful employment for Jersey City residents,” said Mayor Fulop.  “As we continue to see positive growth, it’s important we ensure the opportunities created support the greater good of our City.”

“As people are working their way through their apprenticeship towards entering a union, it’s important for them to make an appropriate living wage to support themselves and their families,” said Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, co-sponsor of the ordinance.  “This ordinance is the latest step amid numerous efforts by this administration to create more opportunities for local residents.”

Contracts for projects that are subject to the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act will require the contractor and any subcontractors prove they’re complying with the ordinance by providing apprentices with not only highly specialized hands-on training, but also technical classroom instruction to afford workers the opportunity to enhance their skills and therefore help further future career opportunities.  The City ordinance was created in partnership with the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades.

“The ordinance creates the requirement and keeps them from skirting their responsibility to give local union apprentices on the job training and fair pay as the men and women progress along the route to a lifetime career into the respective trade,” said Patrick Kelleher, Hudson County Building Trades President.

Hudson County Freeholder Bill O’Dea founded Project IMPACT, a successful program helping inner-city residents obtain gainful employment through building trade apprenticeships. Freeholder O’Dea’s program serves as a model for apprenticeship programs statewide.

“These types of initiatives are beneficial for both sides, especially in our urban areas,” said Freehold O’Dea. “The construction companies help enhance workers’ skills, which in turn, creates a stronger workforce, more valuable workers, and more opportunities for the workers and their families.”

“Offering apprenticeship programs enables these construction companies to build a highly-skilled and productive workforce,” said Mayor Fulop.  “It also sets the apprentices on a path toward success – with experience, skillset, required certifications, and professionalism to move ahead in their careers.”