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CWA Scientists Get Long-Awaited Raises
It took a popular TV drama to show the public how important crime scene technicians are when it comes to collecting and analyzing forensic clues that can crack a case.
In New Jersey, it took tenacious CWA members and staff to see that such critical employees are appreciated where they need it most - in their paychecks.
More than 130 forensic scientists, who work for state police in New Jersey, members of Locals 1033, 1034 and 1037, are getting raises that average nearly $10,000 a year, as well as back pay to late August 2001.
"All the forensic scientists had their salaries moved four pay ranges through title restructuring and workweek changes initiated by CWA Local 1033," local President Rae Roder said, praising the "tireless work" of shop stewards Debra Cole, Mike Koval and Liz McLaughlin, as well as Local Staff Representative Gaye Palmer.
Palmer said the pay scale for forensic scientists was developed long ago, before DNA and other cutting-edge technology required today's level of scientific skill and education.
Through DNA and fingerprint analysis, New Jersey's forensic scientists helped identify many of the victims of the World Trade Center attacks. Palmer said the workers' skills and dedication led New Jersey State Police management to strongly support the union's efforts to raise their salaries.
"They were losing a lot of employees because the pay was so low," she said. "They knew that had to change in order to attract and keep good candidates. They were extremely helpful, extremely cooperative."
The process to change the scale, a major undertaking that involved rewriting job descriptions and requirements and getting them approved by the state's personnel office, took four years.
The majority of scientists were at the maximum pay level of $60,900 before the raise. Scientists at that level now earn $70,375 a year, far more in line with other states and private labs, Palmer said.
In New Jersey, it took tenacious CWA members and staff to see that such critical employees are appreciated where they need it most - in their paychecks.
More than 130 forensic scientists, who work for state police in New Jersey, members of Locals 1033, 1034 and 1037, are getting raises that average nearly $10,000 a year, as well as back pay to late August 2001.
"All the forensic scientists had their salaries moved four pay ranges through title restructuring and workweek changes initiated by CWA Local 1033," local President Rae Roder said, praising the "tireless work" of shop stewards Debra Cole, Mike Koval and Liz McLaughlin, as well as Local Staff Representative Gaye Palmer.
Palmer said the pay scale for forensic scientists was developed long ago, before DNA and other cutting-edge technology required today's level of scientific skill and education.
Through DNA and fingerprint analysis, New Jersey's forensic scientists helped identify many of the victims of the World Trade Center attacks. Palmer said the workers' skills and dedication led New Jersey State Police management to strongly support the union's efforts to raise their salaries.
"They were losing a lot of employees because the pay was so low," she said. "They knew that had to change in order to attract and keep good candidates. They were extremely helpful, extremely cooperative."
The process to change the scale, a major undertaking that involved rewriting job descriptions and requirements and getting them approved by the state's personnel office, took four years.
The majority of scientists were at the maximum pay level of $60,900 before the raise. Scientists at that level now earn $70,375 a year, far more in line with other states and private labs, Palmer said.