Â鶹´«Ã½

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | (NJCU) and the signed a historic Project Labor Agreement (PLA) and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at providing internship opportunities for NJCU students at a joint news conference on campus on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

The agreement makes NJCU the first public university in the state of Â鶹´«Ã½ to execute such a Project Labor Agreement, which will authorize all university construction projects that exceed $5 million be completed by union labor.

The PLA agreement memorializes NJCU's commitment to partnering with Hudson County community leaders so that its diverse, local residents are able to take part in economic opportunities provided by future university construction projects. Meanwhile, the MOU establishes a program wherein University students are able to participate in internship and/or externship opportunities to gain meaningful experiences.

NJCU Interim President ​​Andrés Acebo, Hudson Building Trades President Patrick Kelleher, Hudson County Commissioner , and Assembly Deputy Majority Leader and Â鶹´«Ã½ Assemblywoman all spoke at the event, which was also attended by union leaders including those from the Building Trades, statewide CWA, and NJCU AFT Local 1839.

(Photo Credit: Paul Gargiulo, NJCU University Communications)

PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES and STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT:

Assembly Deputy Majority Leader and Â鶹´«Ã½ Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight
“Today’s PLA shows that NJCU is not going anywhere — and this agreement will be a catalyst for other institutions to follow. Today’s important step will provide opportunities for minorities in