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Welcome to CWA Local 1040 Website
June 4, 2009
Dear CWA Member,
As a result of the worst recession since the 1930s, New Jersey’s revenues have dropped by 25%. The April 15th income tax revenues were 42% lower than last year’s. The economic recession is real and the threat of job loss to thousands of our members is also real. CWA has been negotiating with the Corzine Administration in order to prevent the layoff of thousands of our members and to address the issue of unilateral furloughs and the possibility of losing our contractual wage increases and increments at a time when the New Jersey Legislature and Governor are closing a $9 billion shortfall in order to enact the State Budget.
The CWA Bargaining Committee has negotiated an Agreement with the Corzine Administration. The Agreement maintains the integrity of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, it treats all of our members equally, and in doing so provides for job security for our members.
What follows is a Summary of the Agreement:
Wage Deferral:
We will defer the July 1, 2009 3.5% raise until January 2011. We will receive the July 1, 2010 raise on time as well as all scheduled increments.
No Layoffs:
There will be No Layoffs of any CWA represented workers from the date of ratification of this Agreement at least until January 1, 2011. (The Layoff Plans submitted to the Civil Service Commission laying off thousands of workers, and causing the bumping and demotions of thousands of others will be void upon ratification of this agreement.)
The Department of Children and Families will rescind its current plans to close the Regional Day Schools and there will be no layoffs of those workers consistent with this Agreement. There will be a committee set up to explore the future of the Regional Day Schools and CWA will be represented on the committee.
Violation of No Layoff Pledge:
If any worker is laid off between now and January 1, 2011, in violation of this No Layoff Pledge, all workers will immediately get the 3.5% increase that was deferred. In addition, anyone actually laid off in violation of this No Layoff Pledge will be placed in the “Displaced Worker Pool” for 2 months. (The No Layoff pledge does not apply to workers who are fired for disciplinary reasons, failing a working test period, or terminated for cause. The No Layoff Pledge does not include Temporary Employment Services or contracted workers. The State agrees to reduce the number of these workers.)
In addition, if any worker is laid off in violation of this pledge, the furloughs for all workers will end proportionate to when the violation occurred.
No Diminution of Pension Benefits:
There will be no loss of any pension benefits due to the Wage Deferral or any furloughs. Pension benefits will be calculated as if there was no wage deferral or furloughs.
Furloughs:
Between now and June 30, 2010, every worker will take 10 furlough days (including the May 2009 furlough day.) Two of the furlough days will be the day after Thanksgiving in 2009 and Lincoln’s Birthday in 2010. The rest of the furlough days will be self-directed (you work out when you will take them with your supervisor). If you work in a 24/7 operation or have to work on the day after Thanksgiving and/or on Lincoln’s birthday, those days will be treated just as they are now (a work day and a holiday) and you will choose 2 other days to be self-directed furlough days.
In 2010, the day after Thanksgiving will be a paid day off and Lincoln’s Birthday in 2011 will not be a holiday.
There will be no other furloughs other than these 10 days of furloughs through to June 30, 2011. If there are any other furloughs in violation of this agreement, workers will be paid for any additional furlough days.
Paid Leave Bank:
All workers will receive a Paid Leave Bank (PLB) of 7 days which can be carried over if the days are not used. There are no limits on the carry over and if you don’t use the days, you will get them cashed out when you leave or retire from State service. The days in the PLB will be accrued as follows: one day accrued June 30, 2009, one day accrued June 30 2010, and one day accrued for every 2 furlough days taken, totaling 7 days altogether.
Union Dues Holiday:
Union dues will not be charged for involuntary furlough days. However, because of the CWA dues structure (charged annually) and because of the inflexibility of the State’s payroll system, we are going to eliminate the dues for all 10 of the furlough days together so that there will be a whole pay period where you don’t pay union dues, instead of eliminating the dues for each furlough day individually. Therefore there will be no union dues paid during the first pay period in December, making up for all 10 furlough days.
Civil Service Furlough Rule:
The Civil Service Furlough Rule will be rescinded and there will be a Study Commission which CWA will be a part of which will study negotiated alternatives to layoffs.
Temporary Workers:
Currently there are over 5,000 workers employed by the State as Temporary Employment Services. Approximately half of those workers are temporary seasonal workers or are employed for temporary projects. Approximately 1000 other TES workers are DYFS workers engaged in special response work overtime (SPRU). That is an appropriate use of TES. However, there are another 2000 or so TES workers who are really working in what should be full or part time jobs in State bargaining units. CWA estimates that about 500 - 1000 of those workers belong in our bargaining units as full-time or part-time workers. There will be an audit of the use of Temporary Employment Services and the conversion of some of the TES workers and we will get the results of that audit so that we can take action to get inappropriate TES positions converted or eliminated. The State agrees to achieve savings by reducing the use of TES.
Contracted Temps:
Contracted temps cost won’t be used to erode CWA’s bargaining units. Within 90 days of the Agreement, the State will cancel the Hobart Temp contract with DCF and all contracts for clerical temporary services at the Department of Law and Public Safety. Within 180 days of the Agreement the State will reduce the use of contracted clerical and administrative contracts by 25%. Contracts for temporary nursing services will be reviewed to determine whether temporary nursing services are being used appropriately and to make sure that bargaining unit work is not being eroded.
Side Letter 42:
The State will implement Side Letter 42, which provides for hiring engineering and design work within DOT instead of contractors. This will provide significant savings to the State. Within 60 days the State will replace at least 50 contracted inspectors with State employees and within 90 days the State will develop a schedule for the complete implementation of Side Letter 42.
State Collegeand University Committee:
The State will establish a Committee to review spending, tuition and costs at the nine state colleges and universities. The composition of the panel will include, but not be limited to, representatives from each of the colleges and universities and from the unions representing state college and university employees.
Ratification of MOA:
We are arranging for a membership ratification vote on this Agreement shortly. The ratification will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association using a secure telephone voting system and details of how to participate will be sent to our members shortly.
Thank you for your patience. The State Worker Bargaining Committee did a fantastic job and worked countless hours and I thank them.
No one wants to see a wage deferral or furloughs. This agreement, however, protects the integrity of the wage rates in our contract, provides for equal and shared sacrifice, and most importantly, protects the jobs of our members in these difficult times.
In Solidarity,
Chris Shelton
District 1 Vice President
April 17, 2009
The State Unions filed an application with the Appellate Court for a stay of the Furloughs. A hearing was held at the Morris County Court House on Wednesday April 16, 2009.
Steven P. Weissman , Attorney for the Communications Workers of America, argued the case for appellants The CWA, Council 73 of the AFSCME, and Camden County Council 10 (A-3627-08T2). Robert A Fagella argued the cause for appellant NJ State PBA (A-3626-08T2). David Fox argued the cause for appellants Probation Association of NJ (A3656-08T2) and New Jersey State Mutual Benevolent Association (A3657-08T2). Leonard C. Schiro argued the cause for amicus curiae Teamsters Local 97 and OPEIU Local 32.
The Appellate Court has issued a ruling in our application for a Stay of the Furloughs.
The Court said that it is likely that the Temporary Rule violates workers’ layoff and seniority rights under the law. The Court will only allow furloughs where an entire department shuts down on the same day. The State cannot stagger furloughs. This decision means that the 24-7 operations will not be allowed to be furloughed.
We do not know exactly how the State will respond but this again, points out that the Corzine Administration should be addressing these issues in talks with the Union and not by acting unilaterally.
We should still plan on attending the public hearing on April 23. The State is likely to appeal the court’s decision and the permanent rule is still being reviewed. We must be there.
Everyone should attend the Public Hearings on April 23 at 6:00 P.M.
Lawrenceville Armory
Eggerts Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ
Please check with your branch president for bus information.
Carolyn C. Wade President CWA Local 1040
April 2, 2009
Tell the Civil Service Commission to Lay off our Layoff rules!
On March 25, 2009, the New Jersey Civil Service Commission passed “temporary layoff” rules that will permit unilateral furloughs of New Jersey Public Workers. These “temporary” furloughs can be of any duration – a day or a year, they allow management to exempt some workers and not others – they provide for no negotiations, no seniority, no bumping.
Now they want to make the EMERGENCY rules permanent. Come to the Public Hearing!
April 23, 2009
6 p.m.
Lawrenceville Armory
101 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ
ALL CWA MEMBERS SHOULD WEAR RED
CWA has filed for a STAY in court of the Temporary Rules. Even if we win that – we still need to fight the PERMANENT rules. Come to the Public Hearing. CWA is also filing an Unfair Labor Practice Charge at the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC). We do not have a date for that hearing yet but we will need to turn out for that hearing as well.
See your Branch President for transportation arrangements!!!!!
Update on the Freeze/Furlough Fight
1. On March 25, 2009, with 24 hours notice, the Civil Service Commission passed emergency rules that permit “temporary layoffs”. These rules are designed to permit Local, County and State government to order unilateral furloughs of any time period without regard for seniority, bumping rights, etc. There will be a public hearing at the Lawrenceville Armory at 6 p.m. on April 23 - 101 Eggert Crossing Road, Lawrenceville, NJ on the temporary Layoff Rule. Every worker should come out for this public hearing. Protect YOUR layoff rights. GET ON THE BUS. Contact your shop steward/branch leadership about buses and car pools. WEAR RED! CWA has filed in Court for a “Stay” of the rules, as have several other unions. Next week we will file an Unfair Labor Practice charge at the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC). When PERC holds a hearing – we’re all going!
2. We’ve been picketing Governor Corzine about his UNFAIR attack on New Jersey’s Public Workers. Everyone of us understands that there is a global recession and the State has lost revenue. We are willing to do our fair share. But freezes and furloughs of our workforce that equal over $4,000 in pay cuts for our average member while those earning $550,000 kick in less than $1000 – are UNFAIR. Hundreds of CWA members caught Corzine when he went to speak to the Ocean County Democrats on Sunday, March 29, and then again at Jersey City University on Monday and then again in West Orange on Wednesday April 1. Governor Corzine: Can you hear us now? There’s more to come! (If you hear of a Corzine appearance in your area – call the Local and get your sneakers on – time for a quickie picket line!)
3. All out for lunchtime/breaktime picketing on April 7. We’re picketing our worksites. Talk to your shop steward/branch leadership and make sure you’re on the line.
4. Are we talking to the Administration? Yes. We are willing to talk and we understand that we will not come out of this without some shared sacrifice. We’ll talk. We’ll figure things out. But we want our Contract respected and we are sick of being every politician whipping boy.
We Can’t Win Without YOU
Beating back the on-going attack on New Jersey’s Public Workers is going to be difficult and we won’t be able to do it without every member’s involvement. We’re all busy. We’re all tired. We’ve all got families and other things to do. BUT we all need to come out to the picket line, the public hearing and to every worksite meeting and event. Now is the time for all good Union Members to be active, willing, and brave.
March 26, 2009
FOUR UNION MEMBERS ARRESTED IN PROTEST OF THE TEMPORARY CIVIL SERVICE LAYOFF RULES.....
A demonstration was held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 to stop the Civil Service Commission from enacting emergency regulation that will allow for “Temporary layoffs of public workers.
Despite the fact that over 500 concerned Union Brothers and Sisters, Majority CWA, protested against the adoption of these rule, they were adopted. The Commissioners were appointed by Governor Corzine and we know that they had their marching orders.
Four Union members were arrested, including CWA Local 1037 President who was thrown down and handcuffed.
April 7, 2009 is the worksite demonstrations, check with your Branch President for more information.
March 24, 2009
Tell Governor Corzine and State Elected Officials:
Stop Attacking New Jersey’s Public Workers!
Join the Statewide Picket Line, and tell the Governor to Stop Attacking State Workers! Get the Details here: All out on April 7th, 2009
SNEAK ATTACK
ON PUBLIC WORKER LAYOFF RIGHTS
The Civil Service Commission plans to attack union Collective Bargaining Agreements by enacting emergency regulations on WEDNESDAY March 25 that will allow for “Temporary” layoffs of one “or more” days.
They are doing this without going through the regular rule making process that requires Notice to the Public in the New Jersey Register, a comment period, and Public Hearings. They are trying to SNEAK it through by passing Emergency Rules for 60 days, implement the “temporary” layoffs, and then go through the regular process to make the rules permanent.
DISGUSTING
No seniority. No bumping. No negotiations. No rights.
FIGHT BACK!
March 25, 2009
9:45 a.m. 44 S. Clinton Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
March 10, 2009
Yesterday a fire storm broke out because an “anonymous” source claimed that State Workers unions had a “deal” with the Governor regarding a wage freeze and furloughs.
This was wrong information. There is no deal and there have not as of yet even been negotiations.
We all know that we are in a very difficult position. The economy is disastrous. Achieving a balanced budget will be a huge challenge because of the huge drop off in revenues.
New Jersey public workers have been everybody’s whipping stick for the past several years and our “friends” – people like Steve Sweeney – have tried to find every opportunity to attack our contract and our standard of living.
Governor Corzine is making cuts to services, schools and municipal aide, and is seeking increases in taxes from the wealthiest individuals as well as increases in the unemployment tax. Many of us rely upon the homestead rebate and we will see that cut as well. In addition, Corzine is asking us to give up our July 1 raise, our increments next year, and take 14 furlough days over the next 14 months.
Corzine makes the argument that hundreds of thousands of workers have lost jobs and hundreds of others have had their pay cut. He says he would have to make thousands of layoffs to make up the money that his proposed wage freeze and furloughs make up. It is a persuasive argument for many – especially those who are looking to criticize us and make public workers out to seem selfish and over paid.
We are not unmindful of what Corzine is saying – or how we appear to the public – especially to our fellow workers who have lost jobs and been hurt more severely in this Great Recession.
We also know that a union Contract is a nearly sacred document for us. It is all we have. It is what gives us our middle class standard of living. It is what gives us Job Security. It is what gives us healthcare and pensions and dignity on the job. When we are criticized and told that we are privileged – we agree – we are privileged. We have a union contract when so few Americans don’t.
But that is why we cannot just give in to something that would tear up that agreement. We cannot allow anyone to treat the integrity of the collective bargaining agreement as if it is something that is just a meaningless piece of paper.
Our members are very anxious about what we are going to do. They rightfully fear layoffs in this environment. Many do not want to give up the raise that we fought so hard for.
Here is what we are trying to accomplish:
We will try to respond responsibly to a genuine economic crisis. That means that we are going to talk with the Governor about shared sacrifice and how we can be of help while protecting the integrity of the Union Contract.
We are going to protect jobs. We cannot allow our members to be laid off in this type of economic environment.
We will discuss ways of saving money that will not re-open contract negotiations and that will protect our agreement.
We will demand that our members are not asked to sacrifice while there are still political appointees and bad contracts out there that waste public money.
What can you do to help?
1. Don’t panic. We have time. Nothing is happening tomorrow. When you hear a rumor, give your Local some time to get information out to you.
2. Work with your shop steward and/or branch leadership. They will know what is going on. Please follow their leadership. Tell them what you think – they will pass it on to your Local.
3. Come to meetings, mobilization events, and read and respond to your mail.
These are very troubling times for working people. Our country is going through a tremendous economic upheaval. The question for us, as members of working families, is how do we change our country so that it is a better place for everyone? How do we turn this Recession into a more fair economy? How do we re-regulate and stop the bankers and Wall Street speculators from ever doing this again? How do we support President Obama in his efforts to bring healthcare and jobs and housing to all? In CWA, we are considering all of these questions, at the same time we are trying to protect jobs in New Jersey and protect our Contract.
There are no easy answers. We are going to have to take things day by day and together figure out together what is best. Thanks for your Help and Support.
In Solidarity,
Carolyn C. Wade
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 9, 2009
Statement by CWA
‘No Agreements or Compromises’
TRENTON -- CWA spokesperson Bob Master released the following statement in response to media reports suggesting that the union has agreed with the Corzine administration to make specific concessions:
"New Jersey's state workers are willing to do their fair share to help the State get through the current economic crisis. But no agreements or compromises have been offered or made -- and in fact there have not even been any formal negotiations with the State over these issues. We will be meeting with the Administration over the next several weeks to discuss proposals that will save jobs, include shared sacrifice and maintain the integrity of collective bargaining in New Jersey.
"We urge the Governor to propose a budget that includes a mix of prudent spending cuts and sensible revenue increases that will not wipe out the effect of the federal stimulus money or further depress New Jersey's economy. And we will oppose any attempt to balance the budget solely on the backs of working families."
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March 6, 2009
A Message From Your Union
Governor Corzine has demanded a Wage Freeze and 14 unpaid furlough days (2 in May and June, and 12 in fiscal year 2010.) He has also said that he will lay off as many as 7000 workers to achieve that savings if there is not a negotiated agreement. In fact – even if we agreed to his demands, he has admitted that there are no guarantees of no layoffs.
The Public Worker unions are working together to address the fiscal crisis in a responsible fashion. Our goal is to protect jobs and collective bargaining and to remain united in our discussions with the Governor over the effects of his proposals. We are developing an alternative approach to the Governor’s that protects jobs and services, employs shared sacrifice, provides the savings that the Governor is looking for and respects collective bargaining. We intend to provide the Governor, Legislature and you with that proposal when it is completed.
We know that all of our members are anxious and concerned about jobs and about the integrity of our contracts. We are trying to strategically and responsibly address this crisis and we will keep you informed as we have information.
No Layoffs! Shared Sacrifice!
Respect Collective Bargaining!
February 20, 2009
Defend the Contract!
A Two Day Furlough is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
In a blatant violation of our contract, Governor Corzine announced on February 17th a plan to put all state workers on involuntary furlough for 2 days before June 30th. Some members seem to think that if we accept these furloughs, his proposals for a wage freeze, additional furloughs, or layoffs will go away. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The two day furlough before June 30th is just the beginning. The 2 day furlough takes us ONLY to June 30th, 2009. The projected deficit for next year is MUCH greater. The Governor is still demanding we agree to a one-year wage freeze beginning July 1, 2009, or as many as 12 furlough days—equivalent to a 4% pay cut—or face thousands of layoffs.
Furloughs are the wrong answer to the state’s fiscal crisis:
*They totally undermine collectively bargained wages and benefits, and amount to a unilateral pay cut imposed by the employer
*They cut our wages at a time when spending by middle-class workers is the key to economic recovery.
*They could actually cost the state money—by furloughing workers paid with federal dollars, reducing the funds coming into NJ.
We are Not the Problem—Sacrifice Should Start at the Top
State workers did not cause the global economic crisis. We had nothing to do with “collateralized debt obligations” and “credit default swaps.” Now Governor Corzine wants us to pay the price for the shenanigans of the Wall Street moguls who have put the global economy on its knees and opened a gaping hole in the state budget.
We know that everyone in New Jersey will have make some sacrifices. But the sacrifices shouldn’t be made only by poor and working families. Sacrifice should be truly shared.
Before asking state workers to sacrifice, Governor Corzine should ask the wealthiest New Jerseyans and the Legislature to do their fair share. A modest tax increase on those making over $250,000 in taxable income would generate nearly $1 billion revenue. Coupled with the federal stimulus funds, this will go a long way towards taking the burden off of poor and middle class New Jerseyans. It should also be noted that there is a whole contingency of temporary employees, working in every department, that have not been disposed of prior to coming to us for sacrifices.
Defend the Contract
Meanwhile, State Workers must defend our Contract. We must fight to protect our jobs and our wages. To that end, the union is:
· Demanding the state bargain with the union over the “effects” on the members of the furloughs.
· Filing a grievance against the unilateral imposition of the furlough.
· Filing an Unfair Labor Practice at the Public Employees Relations Commission against the unilateral implementation of the furlough.
THE STATE CANNOT SIMPLY TEAR UP OUR CONRACT!
THESE FURLOUGHS ARE JUST THE BEGINNING
WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER AND FIGHT TO MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF THIS CRISIS!
STATE WORKERS DID NOT CAUSE THIS CRISIS!
Please keep in touch with your Branch Presidents and visit the CWA Local 1040 website for further instructions and directions. Please copy and share this information with other CWA MEMBERS.
February 17, 2009
Govenor Corzine Announces Additional Budget Cuts
Governor Corzine held a Press Conference at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, at which he announced that he intends to furlough State Workers for 2 days during this fiscal year: one day in May and one day in June. He further stated that unless the State Worker unions agreed to a wage freeze there would be further furloughs and possibly layoffs.
CWA’s elected leadership will be meeting and talking over the next several days to address the current crisis. While we recognize that there is an economic crisis, we do not believe that low and middle income workers should carry the brunt of the burden.
We believe the following:
1. We have a contract and it should be respected;
2. Unilateral furloughs are a violation of that contract. We will oppose them;
3. By furloughing our members, the Governor will save $35 million. That is not a lot of money in terms of plugging the hole in the budget, but it is a great deal of money for us. The Governor can save many millions more dollars by cutting privatized contracts that serve the public poorly. CWA will be putting out a report on those savings shortly.
4. Cuts in wages during a recession just worsen the economy. They are penny wise and pound foolish.
We know that talk of furloughs and layoffs is very nerve wracking for you and for your family. We will fight for every job and we will keep you up to date so that you know what is going on. Further bulletins will be coming out shortly.
CWA's Statement to the Press
"The Governor's sudden and unilateral decision to impose furloughs on state workers violates our contract and represents an assault on our collective bargaining relationship with the State. Once again, Governor Corzine is addressing this historic crisis by making middle and low income New Jerseyans bear the burden of Wall Street's shenanigans, while seeking no sacrifices from the wealthiest citizens of the state.
"The actual dollars that will be saved by furloughing state workers will provide little relief to the state - but it will cause a tremendous hardship for our members who live pay check to pay check and whose wages go directly back into the economy.
"Moreover - a significant number of State Workers are paid through federal funding.
Furloughing federally funded positions actually reduces the amount of federal money coming into the state. It makes little sense for Governor Corzine to lobby for expanding federal stimulus funding on the one hand and then to furlough federally funded workers on the other. Imposing these kinds of cuts only deepens the economic slump we are all working to overcome."
February 9, 2009
STATE HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN ELIGIBILTY AUDIT SUSPENDED
Please be advided that the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) Eligiblity Audit has been suspended for now. The State will be arranging a meeting with the CWA to discuss what the process for auditing the plan will be.
Please refer to the following link on the State website:
January 6, 2009
REBALINCING THE FY 2009 STATE BUDGET
“Much has already been said and I’m certain much more is to follow about the economic crisis and its impact on the State of New Jersey”.
The media is reporting very distressing news regarding the national and global economic crisis. According to Governor Corzine, New Jersey’s budget has not been exempted from this crisis. It is currently estimated that the State of New Jersey faces a 2.1 billion dollar problem in this current year.
In a meeting with the unions prior to a release to the press, the Governor proposed the following:
Rebalancing the FY 2009 Budget
- $2.1 billion combined revenue and spending shortfall.
- Over $800 million in mid-year spending reductions on top of the $600 million enacted in June.
- $500 million shifted from Long Term Obligated fund
- $275 million from the projected $600 million Rainy Day Fund – $325 million will remain as surplus.
- $208 million increase in FY 2008 closing surplus due to aggressive management of the FY 2008 close out process.
- $300 million assumed from federal stimulus package – most likely additional Medicaid support.
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FY 2009 Revenues
- Total revenues revised down from $32.4 billion to $30.7 billion – decrease of $1.7 billion – 5.2% less than projected.
- Income tax revised down from $12.7 billion to $11.9 billion – decrease of $776 million – 6.1% decline.
- Sales tax revised down from $8.6 billion to $8.0 billion – decrease of $544 million – 6.3% decline
- Corporate tax revised down from $2.7 billion to $2.6 billion – decrease of $120 million - 4.5% decline.
- Other revenues revised down from $8.4 billion to $8.2 billion – decrease of $243 billion – 5.2% decline
- Casino revenue revised down from $415 million to $382 million – decrease of $33 million – 8% decline.
- Real estate related taxes revised down from $475 million to $349 million – decrease of $126 million – 26.5% decline.
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We have enclosed further classification of all reduction (amounts in thousands) for each department in Local 1040’s jurisdiction. However, all departments are included in the FY09 reduction to make for a total of $812,199. Much of this has to be endorsed by the legislature and of course the Union must agree to the Governor’s proposed eighteen (18) months wage freeze. Our response is “a contract, is a contract”. We are not interested in reopening our contract. We have been threatened with layoff if we refuse the wage freeze. But what you need to understand is that even if we agreed to a wage freeze, the Governor can still lay us off.
This is to keep you informed, because we must prepare to defend ourselves and our contract. I predict that we have a very rocky road ahead. But “when things gets tough, the tough get going”. We need everybody for this fight. If we fight we may win. If we don’t, be prepared to lose and don’t complain.
In solidarity,
Carolyn C. Wade
President
ATTENTION CWA LOCAL 1040 MEMBERS
URGENT MESSAGE
Today, January 2, 2009, there was a meeting with Governor Corzine and 4 top union leaders from CWA, AFSCME, IFPTE 195, and the State Troopers Union.
Governor Corzine preached about revenues being down and equated the
current economic times to that of the 1930’s.
He gave a lot of figures – but offered nothing in the way of specifics!
The Governor indicated that he needs $812 million in additional cuts for FY 2009.
Governor Corzine asked the unions for the following:
*Suspension of a $116 million contribution for this year to PERS
*18 month wage freeze
*No increments
*Mandatory Furloughs
And as a last resort – LAY OFFS!
ALL PRESIDENTS RESPONDED IN KIND
NO
We will NOT reopen the contract
We will fight any mandatory furlough programs and wage freezes
A CONTRACT IS A CONTRACT!
It is important to note that even if we gave up ALL of these things –
we could STILL be laid off!
Governor Corzine and his administration have done
NOTHING to reduce the budget.
(i.e. reduction in managerial staff, part-timers, and TES’s, etc.)
We are 15 days from a possible introduction of an economic stimulus package –
Why do all of this now?
Please check back often for updates and also look in your mail for additional information.
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