Designating the Peter J. McGuire Memorial in Pennsauken, NJ as a national historic landmark ensures that McGuire’s service to our nation and the American labor movement is given the distinction it deserves. We thank our union brother, Congressman Donald Norcross, for introducing this legislation in Congress and applaud his ongoing leadership on behalf of all workers in New Jersey.

Congratulations to AFT 3977 Brother David Gierek on being appointed to Saddle Brook Council in June. His appointment marks the 919^th labor candidate in New Jersey!

As the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates School marks its 21^st year, we are proud to congratulate this year’s graduating class of 33 rank-and-file union members, who will be running for offices across our state from the municipal to county level. In addition, there are 23 Labor Candidates School alumni, who will seek reelection to office this year, including seven members of the State Legislature.

For photos of this year’s class, please CLICK HERE.

U.S. Congressman and labor elected official Donald Norcross from IBEW 351, joined with several lawmakers on Capitol Hill yesterday to introduce a bill that would raise the federal wage from the current level of $7.25 to $15.00 an hour by 2024 and index the minimum wage to the median wage starting in 2025.

Congratulations to CWA 1038 Brother James Manning Jr. on being elected to Neptune Township's District 1 Fire Commission this past weekend. His election marks our 916th Labor Candidate victory!

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO runs the most successful Labor Candidates Program in the country. Since its inception, 915 union members have been elected to offices as diverse as U.S. Congress, state Senate and Assembly, on County Freeholder Boards, in our towns as Mayors, Aldermen, Committee and Council Members, Fire Commissioners and on School Boards across the state. These victories have made life better for all working people in New Jersey by advancing pro-worker causes at every level of government.

Congratulations to Brother Robert Lane, IUPAT 711, who was recently selected to fill an unexpired term on the Neptune Township Committee. His appointment marks the 875th victory of the labor candidates program in its 19 year history.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO conducted an experiment in 1997 called the Labor Candidates School that sought to train union members on the ins and outs of campaigning for public office. The results that were achieved over the next 19 years were far beyond anyone’s expectations.

CLICK HERE to see photos from the 20th Annual Labor Candidates School.

More than 600 delegates, representing 1,000 labor unions and one million members and their families, convened at Harrah’s Atlantic City on June 21-22, 2016, for the purpose of officer elections, candidate endorsements and outlining the priorities of the state labor movement. On Tuesday, delegates voted unanimously to reelect President Charles Wowkanech, Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan and all members of the Executive Board.

“The work of this convention is an integral part of our organization’s ongoing success and ensures that working families will continue to have a leading voice on the job and at all levels of government,” stated President Charles Wowkanech. “The bipartisan slate of candidates, unanimously approved by the delegates, all possess the leadership, expertise and values needed to uplift and empower our state’s working families during these challenging economic times.”

CLICK HERE for complete list of endorsement decisions.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates program is one-of-a-kind, helping to achieve labor representation across every level of New Jersey government since 1997. With each additional victory, working families secure a stronger voice in our democratic process.