Making Our Union Stronger in Tough Times: N.J. State Workers Fight Unfair Budget

In what has become a pattern, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine is using state workers as scapegoats in his upcoming budget, seeking to impose a wage freeze, pension payment cuts, 14 unpaid furlough days and some layoffs — all without negotiating with the state's unions.

The proposed budget would affect about 40,000 CWA-represented workers, members of Locals 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034, 1037, 1039 and 1040.

"The administration is asking public employees who make $51,000, on average, to sacrifice more than $4000 in wages and benefits — while requiring those making $400,000 to give nothing," said Hetty Rosenstein, New Jersey state director for CWA. "That's neither logical, nor fair." 

Further, Rosenstein said, Corzine is attacking public sector collective bargaining throughout New Jersey by having the Civil Service Commission violate its own rules to pass emergency "temporary layoff" regulations that will allow every town and county to impose furloughs unilaterally.

CWA members have been quick to respond. With only 24 hours notice, more than 500 members packed a Commission meeting. On April 7, workers will picket their workplaces at lunchtime. Meanwhile, rapid response teams of shop stewards are turning up at Corzine campaign events to picket and leaflet. The governor is up for re-election this year.

CWA has joined with police, fire and other civil service unions to file for a stay of the layoff rules. The unions are preparing an unfair labor practice charge to be filed before the Public Employee Relations Commission.

Carolyn Wade, a member of the CWA Executive Board and president of Local 1040, said locals are working together to respond with a unified voice to the economic crisis.

"We want to discuss shared sacrifice, additional ways the state can save money, and how we can help in this crisis," she said. "But we will stand firm in protecting jobs in New Jersey and protecting our contract."