CWA Ad Campaign Urges N.J. Lawmakers to Keep Promises

CWA has launched an advertising blitz in New Jersey to counter proposals from a handful of state legislators who are trying to renege on their commitment to ensure a secure retirement and health care for state workers.

Union leaders say legislators are breaking a promise made to state workers in contract talks last year, when CWA agreed to concessions to help the state combat its budget problems.

Television, radio and print ads, along with mailings, began

CWA's message to citizens of New Jersey, as voiced in print, radio and TV campaign.

this week. A TV ad airing on broadcast and cable stations features a health care professional who cares for veterans, an educator and a social worker, each of them urging state residents to "call Trenton and tell them to keep their word – protect our future."

"Last year, tens of thousands of New Jersey state workers negotiated a contract with Trenton that saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while protecting health care and retirement security for our families," said CWA District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton. "The governor, the legislature and the hard-working women and men of the Communications Workers of America agreed to this contract. Now, Trenton is trying to go back on its promises."

The rollbacks proposed by legislators would change how pensions are calculated, eliminate benefits for part-time workers and allow the state to offer "incentives" to get workers to opt out of health care benefits, among other changes.

CWA represents 55,000 state and local government workers in New Jersey. The union's support helped elect Democratic Gov. John Corzine in 2005. Corzine hasn't endorsed the pension reforms but, according to media reports, is considering them.

"Social workers look after our elderly and abused children. Parks workers protect our outdoors.  Inspectors keep our roads and bridges safe.  Their work makes us proud to live in New Jersey," Shelton said. "There is a better way to fix our budget problems. Trenton should start by eliminating real waste and fraud, closing corporate tax loopholes and raising taxes on the wealthiest."

The union's TV ad can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4bFJqjb5Qk.