Labor & Employment (Collective Bargaining) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3728: Concerns unemployment benefits for certain individuals.

This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment benefits law to clarify disqualification rules, primarily affecting agricultural workers. It specifies that workers who voluntarily leave agricultural jobs without "good cause" lose benefits until they work 8 weeks and earn 10 times their weekly benefit rate. The bill also adds protections: workers switching employers within 7 days (with equal pay/hours) won't lose benefits, and disqualifications for "misconduct" now require employers to provide written proof. It further clarifies that refusing work due to strikes, poor pay, or union requirements won't disqualify individuals. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Labor Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Employment Discrimination Unemployment

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1066: Permits certain local units to enter into project labor agreements for public works projects below $5 million threshold.

This bill allows municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts in New Jersey to use project labor agreements (pre-hire union agreements for construction projects) on public works projects costing less than $5 million - previously requiring a $5 million minimum. It directly affects local governments and construction contractors by expanding their ability to negotiate such agreements for smaller projects. Key provisions let these entities choose to include project labor agreements for projects below the $5 million threshold, while still requiring adherence to prevailing wage laws and labor standards. The change applies only to the specified local entities and does not alter the existing $5 million threshold for other public works projects. The bill was withdrawn after being incorporated into a previously approved law (P.L.2025, c.327).

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Labor Standards

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3416: Establishes workplace policies on employees' right to disconnect from work.

This New Jersey bill requires most private and public employers to create written policies granting employees the right to ignore work communications during nonworking hours (defined as hours outside an employee's scheduled shift). Exceptions include emergencies (threatening safety or operations) or last-minute scheduling changes, which must be agreed upon in writing. Employers who repeatedly violate this right (three or more documented cases) face civil penalties of at least $100 per violation. The law excludes employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Labor Standards

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3653: Requires preservation of employee benefits and contractual rights as condition of sale of Atlantic City International Airport.

This bill requires that if the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) sells or leases the Atlantic City International Airport, the sale or lease terms must preserve employees' existing rights and benefits. Specifically, it mandates that employees retain all benefits under current union contracts, civil service status (if applicable), pension credits, and accumulated leave (such as sick or vacation time) transferred to the new owner or operator. The bill also requires that current employee representatives continue to serve affected employees until they choose new representatives through formal processes. These provisions directly protect SJTA airport employees and their employment conditions during ownership changes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4091: Concerns discrimination based on membership in a labor organization.

This bill amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on membership in a labor organization, such as a union or employee representation group. It clarifies the definition of "labor organization" to include any group formed for collective bargaining, grievance resolution, or mutual aid related to employment. The change ensures employees cannot face unfair treatment (e.g., in hiring, promotion, or termination) due to their union affiliation. This applies to all employers covered by the law, including state and local government entities, and aligns existing protections with current labor practices. The bill does not create new prohibitions but makes the law's coverage of labor organization membership clear and enforceable.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 936: Waives certain professional and occupational licensing fees for veterans and spouses of veterans.

This bill waives initial application and issuance fees for professional and occupational licenses in New Jersey for veterans and their spouses, domestic partners, or civil union partners who already hold a current, equivalent license in another state. It applies when the applicant resides in New Jersey and the out-of-state license meets the board's equivalent or substantially equivalent requirements. The exemption covers all licenses issued by professional boards under the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill does not affect renewal fees or licenses obtained through other pathways.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Professional Licensing Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Employment Tags Licensing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3534: Allows gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations.

This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their gross income when filing state taxes. It directly affects workers who pay dues to labor organizations (such as unions or employee representation groups) that negotiate on issues like wages, hours, or working conditions. To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide proof of dues paid to the state tax authority. The bill defines "union dues" broadly to include all required membership fees, assessments, or charges paid to these organizations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Collective Bargaining

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1809: Allows gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations.

This bill would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their state gross income tax. It directly affects workers who pay dues to labor organizations (defined as groups addressing workplace issues like wages or conditions). To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide verification of dues paid to the state tax division. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Labor Committee and would apply to tax years starting after its enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Collective Bargaining

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2587: Increases minimum salary of teaching staff members in school districts and educational services commissions.

This bill increases the minimum annual salary for full-time public school teachers in New Jersey from $18,500 to $60,000 (with $61,500 for teachers holding a master's degree or higher), effective for the 2022-2023 school year and all future hires. It directly affects all public school teachers in New Jersey school districts and educational services commissions who are certified as performing acceptably. The bill mandates that school districts cannot pay below these new minimums and requires the state to cover the full difference between current salaries and the new minimums for the 2022-2023 school year, phasing down to zero funding by 2027-2028. This establishes a concrete policy change in teacher compensation standards without altering existing collective bargaining agreements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Teachers Collective Bargaining Minimum Wage

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

ACR 43: Urges President and Congress to enact legislation amending "Civil Rights Act of 1964" to protect worker's right to unionize.

ACR 43 is a non-binding resolution passed by the New Jersey legislature urging the U.S. President and Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It specifically requests that the law be updated to prohibit employer discrimination against workers for union organizing activities, such as firing or demoting employees who seek to form unions. The resolution argues this change would strengthen protections beyond current labor law by allowing workers to seek stronger remedies like punitive damages in federal court. As a concurrent resolution, it does not become law but formally expresses New Jersey's support for this policy goal.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

All labor & employment bills