Dear Editor,

The recent analysis of state employee salaries by the Star-Ledger ( May 1, 2011) underscores what AFSCME members have been saying for years; that rank-and-file public employees work hard, in often dangerous and difficult jobs, are compensated at average or below average levels, and are critically important to the safety and health of all our State’s residents.

The study shows that while certain high level managers and specialists receive handsome salaries, the “average” public worker caring for the mentally ill, or keeping our streets safe, or making sure our drinking water is clean, is paid an “average” salary and is often struggling to make ends meet. The value of the public services they provide is not usually matched by the…

Gov. Chris Christie, it’s time to negotiate

Published: Monday, March 28, 2011, 6:04 AM By Star-Ledger Guest Columnist By Charles Wowkanech

Gov. Chris Christie says one thing but does another.

During his campaign, Christie called collective bargaining “an important safeguard for public employees” and promised “open, honest and fair deliberations.”

Christie says that unlike Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, he “loves” collective bargaining.

“Let me at them. Get me out of the cage and let me go,” Christie promises the crowds at his town hall meetings.

So then why is Christie refusing to negotiate over employee health benefits, a contract provision bargained by every New Jersey governor before him?

Christie’s insistence on having the Legislature set health benefit contributions for state workers undermines collective bargaining rights just as…

This is why we need to get our members as active as they have ever been in this year’s legislative races. All Republican States = end of collective bargaining for public employees!

Gerard

New York Times

Ohio Lawmakers Pass Anti-Union Bill By STEVEN GREENHOUSE Published: March 30, 2011

The two houses of the Ohio Legislature approved a far-reaching bill on Wednesday that would hobble the ability of public-employee unions to bargain collectively and undercut their political clout. They sent the bill to Gov. John R. Kasich, a Republican, who lawmakers said would sign it in the next few days. The Republican-dominated Senate voted 17 to 16 in favor of the bill Wednesday evening, hours after the House passed it, 53 to 44, with 5…

My response to union rally

February 27th, 2011 – 6:25

 BY BARBARA BUONO I didn’t have the opportunity to speak last Friday at the rally on the state house steps but if I had, I would have begun by telling the crowd of mothers with children in tow, teachers who for so many years educated and mentored my children, municipal and state workers who plow our streets, firefighters and police who keep us safe—that you are not alone —and that we do not support what amounts to an assault on the middle class.

 The right to collective bargaining has been enshrined in our political and economic system since FDR signed the Wagner Act in 1935. It’s the basic principal that employers and employees…

Below is a letter to the editor that appeared in local newspapers.   Gerard  

January 14, 2011

IN PRAISE OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES

Dear Editor:

AFSCME Council 73 is proud to represent thousands of men and women who work for New Jersey’s counties and municipalities who toil through winter storms providing essential and emergency services. While most of us stay in the security of our own homes during these storms, these men and women brave the elements to make sure that the roads are safe for us to venture back outside.  Our members worked tirelessly around the clock during the recent snowstorms so that the roads would be clear.

We ask that residents take a minute to thank these men and women for their…

On September 14, Governor Christie announced proposals to change pensions and benefits for active and retired public employees. The Governor wants to slash benefits while increasing employee contributions, even as the state continues to contribute nothing to the pension funds. The proposals would apply to all public employees and some would apply to current retirees as well. Specific details are still limited and no legislation has yet been proposed. However, according to media reports and summaries released by the Governor’s office, some of the changes being proposed include: • Eliminating cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for current and future retirees • Changing the retirement age for all current PERS participants with fewer than 25 years of service to age 65 • Increasing…

Three recent cases: Ocean County, Egg Harbor and Keyport.  Egg Harbor and Ocean County are “bellwether” cases – a sign of the times. Keyport is a critically important case that will hopefully set the stage for significant decisions in the Mount Laurel and Belmar furlough cases.

In Ocean County, the PBA’s contract provided that after expiration, officers not at maximum automatically move to the next higher step on the salary guide.  There was a long history of officers receiving increments after contract expiration.  The County’s only defense was that it did not have the money to pay increments.  PERC rejected that argument and noted that the County is “seeking our assent in repudiating [its] agreement.  We decline to do…