PATH Labor Coalition Calls on Port Authority to Allow Public Comment at Board of Commissioners Meetings

Unions Say Port is Using Pandemic to Duck Public Criticism

JERSEY CITY, NJ — For the sixth consecutive monthly meeting of the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, open public comment will once again not be allowed today while the public agency meets virtually via teleconference. While public agencies throughout the region have adapted to the current situation and still managed to uphold the values of transparency and open government by allowing the public to make its voice heard, the Port Authority instead is only allowing input via written statements that may or may not ever be seen by Board members. The PATH Labor Coalition believes that this is absolutely unacceptable and is calling on Port Authority Board Chairman Kevin O’Toole to allow the public to comment directly at public meetings.

“The idea that a public agency as complex and massive as the Port Authority, which has a budget larger than 11 U.S. states, can’t figure out the technology behind allowing members of the public to voice their opinions and ask questions during a public meeting is frankly unimaginable,” said PATH Labor Coalition President Joseph Dominiczak. “What’s really happening here is the Port Authority is using the pandemic to duck public criticism and hide the fact that they continue to refuse to negotiate in good faith with our members or treat their workers fairly. It’s time for the Port Authority Board to stop hiding in the shadows and start allowing the people to make our voices heard.”

The Port Authority Board of Commissioners meets today at 12:15pm. Only members of the media will be allowed to access the meeting in real time or ask questions to the Board.