MERCER - Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli (D-15) chair of the Assembly Labor Committee, faces a reelection bid this year, running on a ticket with U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11).

As a Labor guy ahead of Labor Day, Verrelli said he continues to listen keenly to make sure his party prioritizes Labor issues.

"I want to hear, 'I don't only stand with Labor, but I stand behind all facets of organized Labor, to allow people to make a living wage and allow them benefits so they can live and retire with dignity," said the carpenter by trade.

What else does he need to hear?

"They [candidates running for office] need to support PLAs [Project Labor Agreements]," Verrelli said.

State law requires PLAs for capital projects with a construction cost estimate of $5 million and above.

Statewide, this is a critical difference between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Verrelli's candidate, Sherrill.

From the AFL-CIO:

"Ciattarelli’s vote against PLAs [S-2425, 2/14/13] is a direct attack on the building trades and the wages, benefits, and job security of thousands of skilled New Jersey tradespeople who rely on these agreements to ensure fair hiring, union standards, and safe working conditions.

"By siding with corporate interests over working families, Ciattarelli sent a clear message: he favors low-road contractors over New Jersey’s union workforce. His broader record of opposing labor protections shows that workers can’t count on him to protect their livelihoods or prioritize safe, good-paying union jobs. The choice we have in November could not be clearer."

By contrast, the labor umbrella organization notes, "Sherrill has consistently supported Prevailing Wage and Project Labor Agreements, having voted to protect Davis-Bacon while in Congress. She will ensure that state funded projects will treat workers fairly and pay them a decent wage. (H.R. 3684, Vote #314, 11/5/21)."

Verrelli noted that the next governor will need to build on gains for PLAs by properly enforcing the laws governing labor agreements, which might require more staffing at the state Department of Labor "to hold bad actors accountable," he said.

"At the end of the day, it's about the working people of New Jersey who live and work in New Jersey, so they can spend the money they make here."

At this year's Building and Trades Conference, the chair of the Assembly Labor Committee reminded members of PLA gains with the Democratic Party.

"We have to support the candidates who support us," said the Assemblyman. "Look at the record. Don't look at a single issue. It's about collective labor. If they don't support you when they're in office, they won't support because they say they will, when they're out of office."