Labor & Employment (Collective Bargaining)

This bill clarifies that workers in the ready-mix concrete industry who are represented by a union for collective bargaining are excluded from New Jersey's earned sick leave law. It specifically amends the definition of "employee" to explicitly include these workers in the existing construction industry exemption. The change affects union-represented concrete industry workers, meaning they are not entitled to accrue or use earned sick leave under the law. This is a technical clarification to ensure consistent application of the existing exemption for construction workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.

This bill (S 2531) prohibits employment contracts from including non-disclosure or non-disparagement clauses that prevent employees from discussing claims of discrimination, retaliation, or harassment. It makes such clauses unenforceable and requires settlement agreements resolving these claims to include a clear notice stating employees can publicly share details identifying the employer. The law applies broadly to all employees but allows collective bargaining agreements to include mediation or arbitration for these claims if they comply with existing rules. It codifies a 2024 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that such clauses violate public policy.

This bill (S 1587) modifies New Jersey law to provide enhanced leave and compensation protections for public employees who serve in the military reserves or National Guard. It directly affects state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are active or retired military members. Key provisions require public employers to grant up to 30 paid workdays of leave annually for military service (including travel days and transitional leave), maintain retirement/health benefits during leave, and cover pay for service exceeding 30 days through collective bargaining agreements or employer discretion. The bill also clarifies that "active duty" includes medical appointments related to military service. It is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

This bill establishes a Statewide Skills Academy Network to connect county colleges, vocational schools, and union training programs across New Jersey. It appropriates $1 million to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to support the network’s work in improving collaboration, identifying workforce training gaps, and developing accessible short-term programs in high-demand fields. The network will focus on sharing best practices, expanding geographic access to training, and creating an integrated credentialing system to help workers gain job-ready skills. Regional skills academies selected through a competitive process will use grant funds to develop training sites offering evening and weekend classes. The bill directly affects educational institutions, workforce training providers, and workers seeking credentials in growing industries.