1,500 New Jersey Public Employees Affiliate with CWA

Camden County Council 10, an independent labor union representing more than 1,500 public employees in New Jersey's Camden County, voted 573-118 Wednesday night to affiliate with CWA.

The vote brings Council 10 members into CWA Local 1014. The affiliation increases the strength of both organizations.

A letter from Council 10 President Karl Walko strongly recommended the affiliation, saying, "Public employers have become more aggressive and small labor organizations have very limited leverage."

CWA conducted 10 meetings throughout Council 10's jurisdiction and met with and received a unanimous endorsement from Council 10's board of trustees and shop stewards. A package of materials was sent to all Council 10 members and it included a leaflet with pictures and quotes from activists in favor of affiliation.

Principal Library Assistant from the Camden County Library Linda Dilks said, "An affiliation with CWA is beneficial for many reasons. CWA not only has a remarkable reputation but I believe CWA is the strongest union in the State of New Jersey. There is no better union to affiliate with than CWA. "

New Jersey State Director, Hetty Rosenstein, praised the organizing drive.

"This affiliation is not about absorbing Council 10. It's about how we all go forward together within a stronger union," she said. "CWA now has over 5,000 members and family members in Camden County. That makes us a powerhouse in one of the most important political areas of the state. We are a union with a deep commitment to public services and fighting for cities."