Rahway DPW Workers Confront Council Over 14-Month Contract Stalemate
Workers earning as little as $18 an hour say they've been told there's no money for raises while the city spends millions on downtown redevelopment
About two dozen Rahway DPW workers attended Monday’s city council meeting to press for a new contract after 14 months without one. (The Central Jerseyan)
Chris Howell | May 5, 2026
About two dozen Rahway Department of Public Works employees filled the municipal courtroom Monday night, making their case directly to City Council members over a contract dispute that has dragged on for 14 months with no end in sight.
Joel Thomas, a Rahway-born DPW employee chosen by the group to speak on their behalf, didn’t hold back.
“It’s been 14 months since these men have been without a contract. The last time we had a meeting was four months ago,” Thomas said. “That’s not right.”
Thomas said some workers are earning as little as $18 an hour and are frustrated by being told the city has no money for raises, even as the council approved millions of dollars in bond-financed downtown property purchases the same night.
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“These are the same men who, while you sleep, are out there plowing snow for hours,” he said. “We love this city.”
Thomas invoked the upcoming Hot Rods and Harleys festival and other summer events on the city’s calendar.
“Who do you think is working that? We’re working that,” he said. “We work by power lines. They clean the parks and maintain this building inside and out. Fill your potholes. Everything.”
Thomas also addressed Councilman David Brown directly. Brown had delivered the convocation. Thomas drew on the same scripture.
“That’s what the good book says,” Thomas said. “Do unto others.”
Rahway City Council President Jeffrey Brooks addresses DPW workers Monday night at City Hall. The workers expressed frustration with contract talks that have been underway for more than a year. (The Central Jerseyan)
Thomas said he was born and raised in Rahway, but was priced out of the community. He said he now commutes an hour each way.
“We want to live too,” he said. “Enough is enough. We want to get paid what we’re worth. That’s all we’re asking for.”
In response, City Attorney David Minchello — whose firm specializes in municipal labor negotiations — said every contract is a negotiation and encouraged council members to stay out of the matter.
Several did not.
Councilman Brown suggested the administration provide monthly updates to the council until an agreement is reached. Councilman Al Montesdeoca agreed.
“We should always pay our workers,” Montesdeoca said.
Newly appointed Third Ward Councilwoman Karla Timmons, seated just minutes earlier, used her first remarks on the dais to echo the call for monthly contract updates and praise the DPW. Councilman Jeff Brooks said he sees the workers out at 5 a.m. when he goes to the gym. Councilwoman Dani Newbury said she trusted Business Administrator Matthew Pukavich to get the contract done.
Pukavich declined to comment, citing ongoing negotiations. Contract talks fall outside the council’s direct jurisdiction. No formal action was taken Monday night.
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