ASSEMBLY LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3778

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 11, 2024

      The Assembly Labor Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 3778.

      With the committee amendments, this bill reaffirms the importance of the continuation of the Rutgers University Institute of Management and Labor Relations on its 77th anniversary.  As the United States is in the midst of major shifts in the labor force, it is a pivotal time to continue to expand educational resources on labor and management practices.  The changing New Jersey economy will be built upon a skilled and educated workforce; therefore, this bill invests in the future wellbeing of New Jersey.

      The funds that this bill appropriates allows the Institute of Management and Labor Relations to continue its educational programs, such as classes, lectures, conferences and forums.  The tuition for the educational programs is to be affordable to all, with the goal of the programs being free for New Jersey residents.  The Institute is to continue to conduct applied research on labor-management relations issues.  An advisory council is to manage the advisement of the programs and research that the Institute administers.  Rutgers University and AFL-CIO are to appoint the members of the advisory council and it will consist of representatives from the labor, management and public communities.

      This bill appropriates $750,000 annually for the Rutgers University Institute of Management and Labor Relations to fund the requirements of this act.  The funds granted for the Institute of Management and Labor Relations shall be in addition to the existing portion of State funds for the Institute of Management and Labor Relations.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amends the bill to:

      1.   Modify the membership of the advisory council by specifying that it include two members nominated by the State AFL-CIO, one representing public sector workers and one representing private sector workers, two representatives of management, and two representatives of the public nominated by the Dean of the School of Management at Rutgers University.

      2.   Direct the advisory council to advise the university of all matters and plans concerning budgeting for the operation of the school and any proposals for capital projects for the school.