New Jersey Building Trades Stand Behind LG Headquarters Project

CLARK, N.J., April 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking on behalf of his 150,000 members, the statewide head of the New Jersey construction trades spoke out today in support of the construction project under way in Englewood Cliffs for LG Electronics' new North American headquarters.

William T. Mullen, President of the New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council, said, "With unemployment back on the rise and 1,500 more New Jersey jobs lost in March, we have to work together to make this state more welcome to businesses like LG, businesses that want to invest in New Jersey today and for the long term, businesses that will continue to create employment."

Comprising multiple trade unions and local councils, the New Jersey Building Trades represents tens of thousands of workers, some of whom will work on the LG project. "We need jobs in New Jersey now, and a major construction project like this will open up a lot of opportunities for New Jersey's construction workers," Mullen continued.

The LG headquarters project is projected to bring more than 2,200 jobs to the construction industry, jobs that are desperately needed as construction trades have suffered up to 40 percent unemployment rates since the recession struck in 2008 and are a long way from recovery, Mullen explained. Independent research has shown that the LG project will be a huge boost to the local economy in jobs and taxes and will help stimulate economic growth throughout the region. This building and its associated employment will have a projected economic impact of more than $500 million in direct and indirect revenues to the State of New Jersey over a 20-year period, money that will go to infrastructure, jobs and education. *

Mullen pointed out that the $300 million LG headquarters project is funded entirely by the company with no government incentives. He went on to respond to New York-led environmental activists trying slow down the project:

"Enough is enough. We're fighting for what's right for New Jersey workers," Mullen said. "The vocal minority out there that wants LG to redesign the building is just wrong. That would delay construction for years. New Jersey needs jobs now. LG is a good corporate citizen that got all the right legal approvals to build its amazing new green corporate campus. Time to get to work Building New Jersey."

About the New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council
The New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council coordinates activity and provides resources to 15 affiliated trades unions in the construction industry. It represents 13 Local Building Trades Councils, more than 100 local unions and over 150,000 rank and file members. The Council represents Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Electricians, Elevator Constructors, Finishing Trades (Painters, Glaziers and Drywall Finishers), Insulators, Iron Workers, Laborers, Operating Engineers, Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons, Pipe Trades (Plumbers and Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, HVAC Service Technicians), Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers and Teamsters.

* Based on independent third-party projections by Princeton-based BLS Strategies and independently confirmed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.

SOURCE New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council