CWA Workers Fight for Fair Pensions in New Jersey

It’s time that the government of New Jersey paid its fair share, when it comes to workers’ pensions. This November, voters – not Gov. Chris Christie or the state legislature – will weigh in on a constitutional amendment in the form of a ballot measure that would require the state to meet its obligation and make full payments into the pension fund for public workers.

CWA is mobilizing to make that answer a resounding “yes.”

For months, New Jersey CWA activists have been running an unprecedented, statewide member education campaign to build support among our 800,000 members and retirees. More than 500 shop stewards and activists have participated in mobilization trainings. So  far, there have been more than 1,000 volunteer shifts, with activists going door-to-door to talk to union families about the importance of passing this ballot question. The campaign is using smart technology to navigate neighborhoods and keep track of results. Volunteers have also been phone banking to ensure that voters amend the constitution to hold politicians accountable and save our pension.

“If all of us do our part, turn out to vote, we can almost guarantee ourselves a victory,” Seth Hahn, CWA New Jersey’s political director, told activists on a town hall call.

In 2011, Christie signed a law requiring the state to do its part in restoring proper funding for the pension system, after forcing pension cuts for workers. But, the governor reneged on the deal, grabbing billions of dollars from the pension system to help his own budget when state revenues fell short of expectations. Christie fought against funding the pension but was happy to protect billions in tax relief for corporations and wealthy people making more than $400,000 a year.

Last fall, the New Jersey Supreme Court, although agreeing with CWA that the State had not met its obligation, said they did not have the authority to mandate pension contributions and that only a constitutional amendment could do that.

The ballot measure would put the state on track for full pension funding by 2022. Let’s fix this pension crisis once and for all.