We cannot thank our affiliates, community partners, and labor elected officials enough for the outpouring of support they have shown our brothers and sisters from IFPTE Local 194. Together, we have sent over 500 direct messages – which continue to come in from individuals and organizations – to the New Jersey Turnpike Authority Chairman James Simpson, urging him to oppose privatization of toll collectors’ jobs. We joined together at numerous commissioners’ meetings to make the case against privatization. We are also working with labor elected officials, at all levels of our government, to pass resolutions in opposition to Turnpike privatization.

Right now, behind closed doors, away from the eyes of the public, representatives from 11 countries – including our own – and multiple international corporations are negotiating a so-called “free trade” agreement that could have more far-reaching impacts than even NAFTA.

We already know that our Labor Candidates School is a point of great pride for our movement here in New Jersey. One of the most satisfying parts of our jobs is watching brothers and sisters win election to leadership positions that will ensure labor is at the forefront of positive change for our state and communities.

Today, the State Senate adopted SCR-166, a resolution which invalidates the “job banding” rule proposed by the Civil Service Commission. The measure was adopted mostly along party lines by a vote of 21 to 16 and follows the adoption of the resolution in the State Assembly on Monday, January 6th.

IFPTE Local 194 is waging a multiple year battle against privatization and the destruction of jobs on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. We have been advised by Local 194 that they will hold an event to raise the necessary resources for conducting an aggressive and multifaceted campaign opposing privatization.

In today’s legislative session, the Assembly adopted ACR-215 along party lines by a vote of 46 to 31 with zero abstentions. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks the Assembly leadership for posting this resolution and those legislators who voted in support.
Earlier in 2013, the Civil Service Commission proposed a “job banding” regulation which negatively impacts the promotion process and opens up the civil service system to patronage and discrimination.

Call-In Number: 845-809-4509

Right-wing efforts to block an extension of long-term unemployment benefits have left 1.3 million Americans and over 90,000 New Jerseyans out in the cold. We must take immediate action to restore these benefits, and your voice can make the difference as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote tonight and the House of Representatives votes within the next two weeks.

In 2013, we saw the New Jersey labor movement at its best. This Labor Fax celebrates our solidarity, our movement, and the victories we achieved thanks to your support, courage, and endless commitment to the working people of our state.