New London — The City Council approved a new ordinance Tuesday that would require contractors working on city projects that cost more than $1 million to hire a percentage of local union workers and provide apprenticeship programs to teach city residents a trade.

The Greater New London NAACP sent a letter supporting the initiative, which was proposed by the New England Regional Council of Carpenters.

Last week, the Administration Committee supported the ordinance in a 2-1 vote. Councilor Adam Sprecace, who voted against the ordinance at the committee level, also voted “no” on Monday. He attempted to amend the ordinance so smaller contractors who are not unionized would not be shut out of the bidding process but had no support from his fellow councilors.

Councilor Anthony Nolan also voted against the ordinance. He wanted the law director to review the ordinance before the vote, but that suggestion also did not have support.

— Kathleen Edgecomb