2016 New Jersey Revised Statutes
Title 32 - Interstate And Port Authorities And Commissions
Section 32:23-52 - Findings And Declarations Regarding Method Of Employment Known As "Shape-up"

32:23-52. Findings and declarations regarding method of employment known as "shape-up"
The States of New Jersey and New York hereby find and declare that the method of employment of longshoremen and port watchmen in the Port of New York district, commonly known as the "shape-up," has resulted in vicious and notorious abuses, of which such employees have been the principal victims. There is compelling evidence that the "shape-up" has permitted and encouraged extortion from employees as the price of securing or retaining employment and has subjected such employees to threats of violence, unwilling joinder in unauthorized labor disturbances and criminal activities on the waterfront. The "shape-up" has thus resulted in a loss of fundamental rights and liberties of labor, has impaired the economic stability of the Port of New York district and weakened law enforcement therein. It is the sense of the Legislatures of the States of New Jersey and New York that these practices and conditions must be eliminated to prevent grave injury to the welfare of waterfront laborers and to the people at large and that the elimination of the "shape-up" and the establishment of a system of employment information centers are necessary to a solution of these public problems.

L.1953, c. 202, p. 1536, Part I, s. 1, Art. XII, par. 1.