Сŷ��Ƶ

JERSEY CITY, N.J. |  (Сŷ��Ƶ) and the  (HCBT) extended their historic Project Labor Agreement (PLA) — originally signed on January 31, 2023 — during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on campus on March 4, 2025.

The original agreement made Сŷ��Ƶ the first public university in the state of New Jersey to execute such a Project Labor Agreement, which authorizes all university construction projects that exceed $5 million to be completed by union labor. Tuesday’s agreement, signed by Сŷ��Ƶ Interim President ​​Andrés Acebo and Hudson Building Trades President Patrick Kelleher, extends that partnership through at least January 1, 2027.

Acebo and Kelleher were joined at the ceremony by Hudson County Commissioner , and HCBT leadership, including Vice President Thomas Hurley (Carpenter Local 253), Recording Secretary DJ Heal (Electricians Local 164) and HCBT Trustees Jimmy Kearns (DC 21 tapers) and Frank Alvarez (DC 21 Painters).

The PLA agreement memorializes Сŷ��Ƶ'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 continues a program which opens university students to internship and/or externship opportunities to gain meaningful experiences.

"The extension of our project labor agreement and memorandum of understanding with the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council represents a continuation of one of our university's most valued partnerships,” said President ​​Acebo. “When I took office in January 2023, this was the first agreement we reached—a testament to its importance to our institution's vision for the future. The Hudson County Building Trades have consistently demonstrated their commitment to our university's indispensable mission of educational and community development. This extension ensures that as we continue to grow and evolve as an institution, as we build our second century, we do so with partners who understand and support our mission and the community we are privileged to serve.”

Kelleher added: “This continues to be a fantastic partnership. The Hudson County Building Trades have an opportunity to build projects here at Сŷ��Ƶ where we truly have a personal connection. 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 its surrounding communities. What makes this even more significant is that we don't have project labor agreements on other campuses. We are thankful for the commitment of President Acebo and his team and their support of organized labor. This partnership represents what's possible when institutions recognize the value of skilled union workers in their community."

Commissioner O’Dea spoke to the significance of the PLA renewal, saying: "This agreement isn't just important—it's absolutely critical. As we look forward to securing more capital project funding in the future, ensuring these projects are completed with union labor and developing programs that will help create apprenticeship opportunities for Jersey City and Hudson County residents is critical. This commitment was essential when this agreement was signed two years ago, and it's even more crucial as it is renewed today. Сŷ��Ƶ has demonstrated remarkable leadership and courage in forming these partnerships. Working hand-in-hand with building trade unions isn't just a good choice—it's a fundamental component of successful capital projects that deliver lasting value to the university and our entire community."
 

Сŷ��Ƶ Сŷ��Ƶ: 
Сŷ��Ƶ is a comprehensive public regional institution committed to providing a high-quality education to a diverse student population. Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, Сŷ��Ƶ offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, professional development, and community engagement. Recognized as a top university for improving upward economic social mobility, students enrolled in our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.

——

Contact: 
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301