Merit Shop Contractors Score Big Win on Apprenticeship Legislation

We are pleased to share an important legislative victory for New Jersey's merit shop electrical contractors.

Last week, Senate Bill 3405, legislation that could have significantly impacted apprenticeship and workforce development opportunities for merit shop contractors, was pulled from the Senate agenda and was not advanced.

While the bill was presented as an apprenticeship and workforce development measure, it creates an uneven playing field by giving preferential treatment to workers who completed union-sponsored apprenticeship programs while imposing additional requirements on electricians trained through federally approved merit shop apprenticeship programs. Simply put, NJIEC believes all qualified electricians and all federally recognized apprenticeship programs should be treated equally under the law, regardless of whether they are union or merit shop.

This outcome did not happen by accident. NJIEC has been actively engaged behind the scenes, meeting with legislators and advocating for policies that support fair competition, workforce development, and contractor choice. A key part of that effort was testimony delivered by NJIEC Lobbyist, Eric DeGesero, on behalf of NJIEC before the Senate committee.

Eric Degesero, NJIEC Lobbyist & President of Edge Consulting Government Affairs.

We encourage you to listen to Eric's testimony and hear firsthand why NJIEC opposed this legislation. His remarks begin at approximately 1:49:11 in the committee recording:

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/archived-media/2026/SSG-meeting-list/media-player?committee=SSG&agendaDate=2026-03-23-09:30:00&agendaType=M&av=A

The Independent Electrical Contractors Association remains committed to protecting the interests of New Jersey's merit shop electrical contractors and ensuring your voice is heard in Trenton.

We will continue to keep members informed as this issue develops.