Victory! New Jersey State Government Shutdown Averted

After CWAers packed the State House to stop the New Jersey Legislature from shutting down the government and locking state workers out, legislators reached a last minute budget deal – including a CWA-supported millionaire's tax that will ensure the one percent pays their fair share.

CWA members and supporters made thousands of phone calls and confronted legislators in their offices and in the State House hallways. For nearly two weeks, our union left no stone unturned in supporting Governor Phil Murphy's demand for sustainable revenue and a millionaire's tax. Throughout the budget process, CWA members sent a clear message to legislators that New Jersey needs sustainable, new revenue – not one-shots or cuts that balance the budget on the backs of public workers.

CWAers worked with allies, especially the ATU and Better Choices Budget Coalition, alongside progressive women, clergy, and grassroots organizations to make it clear that protecting millionaires instead of education funding, public transportation, and pensions was not acceptable.

As a result, New Jersey averted a shutdown and lockout of CWA members and passed a balanced budget that expands public services, public transportation, and public education, and provides for the largest payment ever to the underfunded pension system.

After CWAers packed the State House to stop the New Jersey Legislature from shutting down the government and locking state workers out, legislators reached a last minute budget deal – including a CWA-supported millionaire's tax that will ensure the one percent pay their fair share.