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Introduction

From our perspective, contractors working with organized labor in New Jersey need reliable tools to remain in good standing. The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 4 – Welfare & Pension ($100,000) Bond provides a financial guarantee that roofing contractors will fulfill wage, benefit, and pension obligations under union agreements. This bond helps uphold labor protections while giving unions recourse if contributions are missed or mishandled.

Contractors seeking to partner with Local No. 4 often must furnish this bond before being awarded union-approved jobs. It protects the welfare and pension funds that serve union workers and reinforces compliance with collective bargaining requirements. The bond doesn’t cover construction defects—it focuses solely on financial integrity regarding union benefit payments.

Common Confusion About Union Bonds in New Jersey

We’ve noticed that many contractors misinterpret union-related surety bonds as performance guarantees. In reality, bonds like this one are specialized financial tools required by unions—not project owners—to cover employer obligations for wages, pensions, and health funds. Contractors who fail to differentiate between bond types risk submitting incorrect documentation or facing union suspension.

Another misconception is that this bond serves only large contractors. In fact, even small firms performing limited union labor may be required to post this $100,000 bond depending on their agreement with Local No. 4. It is equally important to distinguish this bond from other financial guarantees, such as an ERISA Bond Policy – New Jersey, which applies to fiduciaries of employee benefit plans.

Trusted Support From Swiftbonds

Based on our experience, Swiftbonds works with union contractors across New Jersey to simplify the bonding process. The Local No. 4 bond, while straightforward in purpose, can still trigger delays if not submitted with the correct form, amount, and underwriting approvals.

Swiftbonds helps applicants avoid unnecessary back-and-forth with surety providers. Our team focuses on speed, legal compliance, and fair premiums to support roofing and waterproofing contractors seeking union partnership or project qualification. Whether you’re renewing an agreement or submitting a bond for the first time, Swiftbonds offers a smooth, compliant path forward.

Steps to Obtain the Local No. 4 Bond in New Jersey

What we’ve discovered is that securing the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 4 – Welfare & Pension ($100,000) Bond can be completed in a few structured steps:

  1. Determine Bond Requirement - Confirm with Local No. 4 or your union rep whether you’re obligated to file this bond—and at what value.
  2. Complete a Surety Application - Work with a licensed surety agency like Swiftbonds to complete underwriting and disclose financials if needed.
  3. Receive Your Bond Document - Upon approval, you’ll receive the official bond form to file with the union.
  4. Maintain Annual Compliance - Bonds are often renewed annually. Stay ahead of expiration to avoid penalties or suspensions.

This same process is common for union-related bonds, ERISA compliance bonds, and obligations tied to contractors with agreements under the New Jersey – Temporary Help Service Firm Bond regulations.

Importance of Complying With Bond Requirements

We’ve found that union-backed projects tend to require a greater degree of financial transparency. Contractors who skip the bonding process risk violating collective bargaining terms and losing eligibility for union labor pools or government-funded jobs.

Failure to comply can result in:

  • Breach of contract allegations from Local No. 4

  • Suspension or decertification from union projects

  • Financial claims by the union's trust fund administrators

Swiftbonds simplifies this by offering clarity on what you need and how to file it—so you can focus on building your business, not untangling paperwork.

New Jersey Performance Bond Requirements and Legal Compliance

In our observation, union bonds like this one operate alongside construction bond laws governed by the New Jersey Little Miller Act (N.J. Stat. § 2A:44-143). While Little Miller requires performance and payment bonds on public projects over $200,000, union bonds are separate—contractually required by the union itself.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance (DOBI) may indirectly intersect with these requirements for recordkeeping, trust fund oversight, or business registration. For official compliance language, visit the New Jersey Legislature or the DOBI site.

Conclusion

We’ve come to appreciate how critical it is for New Jersey contractors to understand the function of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 4 – Welfare & Pension ($100,000) Bond. It’s not a performance bond or bid bond—it’s a contractual assurance to a union that member benefits will be properly funded. Swiftbonds provides the knowledge, speed, and compliance support needed to fulfill this obligation and keep your projects moving forward.

For union contractors managing other obligations—such as the ERISA Bond Policy – New Jersey or the New Jersey – Temporary Help Service Firm Bond—Swiftbonds stands ready to assist with comprehensive solutions tailored to your licensing and labor compliance needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the United Union of Roofers Local No. 4 bond cover?

We’ve often noticed people believe this bond covers construction work. In truth, it specifically guarantees employer contributions to welfare and pension funds as required under a union labor agreement.

Is this bond required for all roofing contractors in New Jersey?

We’ve often noticed confusion on this point. Only those with agreements or contracts involving Local No. 4 are required to obtain this bond—it’s not a general license bond for all roofing professionals.

How is the bond amount determined?

We’ve often noticed applicants unsure about the amount. While the standard amount is $100,000, this can vary depending on your union agreement or financial exposure to benefit plans.

Can this bond be used in place of an ERISA bond?

We’ve often noticed contractors conflate different compliance bonds. This bond is separate from an ERISA Bond Policy – New Jersey, which specifically applies to those managing benefit plans under federal law.

How long does it take to get approved for the bond?

We’ve often noticed timing concerns. With Swiftbonds, most approvals are processed within 1 to 2 business days, provided financial documentation is in order.