Common Sense Economics is an empowering workshop that includes interactive discussions and training exercises to equip participants with the tools to mobilize supporters and advance the labor movement’s progressive economic agenda.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO Young Workers Advisory Committee looks forward to joining with IBEW 456, Central Labor Councils, union affiliates, community partners and young workers groups throughout the state to sponsor a statewide Common Sense Economics training to educate, inspire, and engage the next generation of union members.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome ‘the people’s pope,’ Pope Francis, to the United States. With the Pope set to visit Washington, DC, where he will be the first pope ever to address a joint session of Congress, as well as New York City and Philadelphia, we look forward to hearing his inspirational words as he challenges people of all religions to confront a culture of exclusion and indifference.

We thank the many volunteer union members who made the New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s first statewide labor walk of the season a big success. With nearly 50 labor candidates on the ballot, we have the power to improve our economy by electing our own. We’re counting on all of you to join us on Saturdays through the fall to help elect candidates who will keep our state at the forefront of strengthening workers’ voices and preserving workers’ rights.

More and more young union workers are becoming involved in the political process after realizing that the opportunity to earn a decent living and live a decent life depends on who they vote into office. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO has been leading the effort to encourage young workers from every sector of the labor movement to pursue a progressive agenda through the state federation’s YES (Youth Engagement in Solidarity) groups forming through our Central Labor Councils around the state.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of longtime labor champion Ray Bramucci, who served as the former New Jersey Commissioner of Labor as well as a union organizer for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU), chief-of-staff to U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley, and an assistant federal labor secretary. Bramucci lived a life committed to uplifting working families and strengthening unions, and he will be greatly missed.

The Philadelphia Joint Board, Workers United, is currently engaged in a rerun union representation election for approximately 123 food service workers employed by Chartwells/Compass Group, a subcontractor at Stockton University. We ask that you please take a moment to support our brothers and sisters by sending a message to Stockton University Acting President Harvey Kesselman, urging him to prevail upon Chartwells/Compass Group to respect the right of its workers to a free and fair union election.

CLICK HERE to forward a message now.

Workers are the backbone of our country, and labor unions continue to be the vehicle through which workplace standards are raised and workplace gains are achieved. It is fitting on Labor Day that we honor workers and their unions, which work together every day to create a better life for all.

Sure, some people like the Koch Brothers are trying to undermine our unions. But, a clear majority of Americans understand that labor unions uplift the middle-class, as a recent Gallup poll showed. That’s because the labor movement has been leading the way for progressive reforms benefitting all workers for more than a century. Gains like Social Security, civil rights, OSHA and public-sector bargaining would have been impossible without strong unions. We would not have seen a 40-hour work week or a higher minimum wage without unions leading the way. There is still much work to do.

The Executive Board of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO has voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to not patronize the Taj Mahal and Tropicana casinos, two Atlantic City properties owned by billionaire robber baron Carl Icahn.

Icahn stripped workers of their health care and retirement benefits and abruptly eliminated their paid half-hour meal breaks. He has refused to negotiate in good faith. For these reasons, we respectfully ask you and your union members to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at UNITE HERE Local 54, who have borne the brunt of Icahn’s ruthless and greedy assault on workers.