400 CWA Members Pack Town Hall Meeting in Trenton

Nearly four hundred CWAers packed the Trenton War Memorial for a town hall meeting with area legislators last Monday night, taking the opportunity to discuss issues important to public workers in the upcoming session of the state legislature.  The meeting was the second in a series of five that CWA is sponsoring with the New Jersey Education Association this month.  (At right: CWAers pack the room at the Trenton War Memorial). 

“The turnout was larger than we expected,” said Bob Master, CWA District One Legislative and Political Director, who moderated the discussion.  “It really shows that our members want some answers when it comes to the repeated attacks on public workers and the right to form a union in New Jersey,” he added, noting that at least eight CWA locals were represented in the audience.  Legislators who made the meeting were Senator Shirley Turner (D-15th District), and Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, (D-14th) District.

Several important issues to public workers were raised from members of the audience.  John Caruso, a member of Local 1036 and a combat veteran, asked about A-2580, the bill that would allow towns and municipalities to Opt Out of the Civil Service system.  Caruso said Civil Service is essential for veterans to re-enter civilian life because it provides for veterans’ preference in hiring and promotions.  Both Turner and Greenstein said they opposed the proposal.  (At right: John Caruso, a member of CWA Local 1036, is one of many CWA members waiting to ask a question of the legislators at the Town Hall meeting).

Dr. MaryAnn Messics, a member of Local 1033, asked about Governor Christie’s proposal to cut pensions for current employees.  “As far as I’m concerned, a promise made is a promise kept,” responded Greenstein, opposing the proposal. 

The discussion also turned to the state budget, and Governor Christie’s insistence that he will veto any proposal that includes an extension of the surtax on incomes of those who make more than $400,000 a year.  “If he vetoes it, I’ll vote to send it back to him and we should make him veto it again and again and again,” said Turner, bringing those in attendance to their feet.  Greenstein agreed saying she could not see a situation in which the budget earned her support if it did not include the reinstatement of the full tax.  (At right: CWA members fill the room at the War Memorial to listen to their legislators).

There are two more chances to talk to your legislators:

• New Brunswick, April 26, 5:30 PM, Rutger's Labor Education Center, 50 Labor Center Way, New Brunswick.

• Newark, May 12, 5:30 PM, Location TBD (Please note this date has been changed).

Fill out this form and send it to your local or send it to us using the information at the bottom of the flyer if you are interested in attending.