The labor movement will be tested in the coming years, but our path forward is clear. We all understand the importance of solidarity, but what is equally important is an understanding and mutual respect for one another. Politicians will seek to divide us, but we can fight back by educating ourselves about the issues affecting each of our unions and resolving to stand together.

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Whether the issue is trade, prevailing wage, immigration, pensions, charter schools, or minimum wage, the only way forward will be to stand together, not only for the things that matter to our individual unions, but for the things that matter to all our brothers and sisters throughout the labor movement.

We look back on 2015 as a year of significant accomplishments in advancing our progressive agenda and shared goals, reminding us that we can achieve important victories for working people when we work together as one.

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Foremost among these achievements is our record number of victories on Election Day. With wins at every level of government, we now have 162 labor candidates serving in elected offices. The dedication of the CLC and BTC presidents, leadership in the locals and engagement of young workers contributed to our outstanding get-out-the-vote drive. This would not have been possible without labor solidarity.

Labor Delivers for Houghtaling (IBEW 400) and Downey in District 11

CLICK HERE for full election results.The New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s political education program is second to none, and the outstanding results of the November 3 election keep our momentum strong heading into the 2016 presidential race. We led union brothers and sisters to victories across the state, from school board and town council races to mayor, freeholder and state Assembly seats. A record 47 union members won their elections, a phenomenal win ratio of 73% for labor candidates on the ballot. No one delivers election results like our labor candidates program, which raised its total of election victories to 864!

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As 2014 draws to a close, we pause to reflect on the year’s trials and triumphs. Though New Jersey’s labor movement faces many budgetary, legislative and political challenges, we remain committed to pursuing a progressive legislative agenda that benefits all working families.

Our solidarity and strength helped us achieve some noteworthy successes in a difficult environment. We pulled together early in the year to draft a unified plan to address pressing labor issues and extend our reach directly into our communities. Our Strategic Planning Committee deserves credit for crafting a road map to guide the State Federation, its Central Labor Councils, affiliated unions and community partners to meet the tests ahead.

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.