ATTENTION:

All CWA Members

The Appellate Court has issued a ruling in our application for a Stay of the Furlough Rule.

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.

We do not know exactly how the State will respond but this once 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.
All out April 23 - Public Hearing
Lawrenceville Armory @ 6 P.M.

See your Shop Steward for information about getting to the Public Hearing.



WHERE WE STAND

As you are already well aware, the State of New Jersey is dealing with one of the greatest fiscal dilemmas it has yet to experience. As your Union, we are constantly working around the clock to address all of your concerns as best we can, and at the same time fighting for what is right and what needs to be accomplished in this time of uncertainty. In response to Governor Corzine’s plan to fix the State’s budget by attempting to implement on our members 12 furlough days, CWA fought back by participating in Lobby Day held last Monday at the State House.

To reiterate to our membership as to where we stand: 1) We are not opening the Contract 2) We are not agreeing on 12 furlough days 3) No wage freezes & 4) No layoffs! On Lobby Day, Local 1039 and the other CWA Locals throughout the State held meetings and talks with Legislators voicing our concerns regarding Governor Corzine’s plan and how detrimental the effects will be for State workers as well as the State’s economy. From these efforts we have gained and sustained much support amongst several Senators and Assembly members for CWA’s membership and State workers.

Amidst all the media coverage and rumors circulating with what Governor Corzine is attempting to do with the budget, please know that at this point NO negotiations have been made with CWA and the State. Currently we are at an impasse. Governor Corzine has delayed the talks by canceling scheduled meetings with CWA last week. This critical matter is being addressed by CWA as we speak. Since last week, the Presidents of each Local have held daily meetings with CWA National and CWA’s attorney Steve Weissman on what tactics will be utilized to handle this dilemma.

We have also been recently informed that on numerous accounts, management, in specific departments, is informing our members of what furlough days will be taken in the coming months. Due to the Union not giving into Governor Corzine’s requests, these dates have been initiated as a scare tactic and a means to create division and discord amongst our membership. Please keep in mind that there are still no definite arrangements regarding these “dates.” We are doing all we can to fight back regarding everyone’s concerns.

We acknowledge that the talks with the State have become difficult process, and there will most likely be some form of shared sacrifice due to the financial condition of the State’s budget. However, to attempt to balance the budget on the backs of State workers is WRONG and we will not stand for it. We also acknowledge that there are many different feelings and opinions shared amongst our membership on what should or shouldn’t be done in this time of crisis. Please be informed that when talks are completed and a potential agreement has been made amongst both parties, full-dues members of CWA will be sent a ballot to vote on the decision. It will be your voice that will settle on what decision should be made on your behalf.

Although the road to a just resolution to this crisis has become a great challenge for all of us, CWA will not back down on our commitment to our members and we will continue to fight for what is right until the end. Thank you for your continued support, participation, and activism. We will continue to keep you informed of new information as it is received.

In Unity,
Tom Palermo, President
CWA Local 1039