Unions in some cases can represent workers or third parties in wage claim lawsuits under legislation recently signed into law by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D).
The bill was effective upon the governor’s signature Jan. 8.
The law empowers a labor union to file a complaint in court against a contractor or subcontractor for unpaid wages on behalf of workers in certain construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration and maintenance projects, regardless of whether the workers belong to the union or are unaffiliated with any union.
“It is our expectation that empowering labor unions to pursue actions in court on behalf of construction workers, whether they belong to the union or to no union at all, will inure to the benefit of all workers in this industry and their families,” the governor said in a statement.
“Every worker should be properly compensated for the work they undertake — no exceptions,” Murphy said in a press release issued in conjunction with the bill-signing. “This bill allows unions to take up for those workers without representation seeking wage claims.”
State Sen. Troy Singleton (D), Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D) and Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli sponsored the bill.
“This bill signifies a monumental shift in protecting workers’ rights, extending the reach of unions and ensuring that no worker is left behind in the pursuit for fair wages and just treatment,” Quijano said. “Unions being able to start wage claims could encourage employer compliance and potentially lessen the state’s need to closely monitor and enforce these laws.”
Business groups had opposed the bill, arguing that the legislation “would allow labor unions to act in the place of the state government by filing lawsuits on behalf of workers they don’t represent,” The Center Square reported.
Labor groups, on the other hand, applauded the new law.
Laborers’ International Union of North America Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager Mike Hellstrom said that the law provides an additional layer of support to construction workers who might find themselves on the losing side of a wage dispute and denied pay they had already earned.
“It is good news for New Jersey, for law-abiding employers and, most of all, for workers,” Hellstrom said.
