Public Sector & Public Employees
NJ AFL-CIO Supports Resolution to Make Pension Payment in July
June 29, 2015
New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech and Secretary-Treasurer Laurel Brennan expressed the federation’s support for a proposal by Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto calling on Gov. Christie to make the state’s annual pension payment at the start of the fiscal year, rather than waiting until the end of the year.
NJ AFL-CIO Won’t Give Up Pension Funding Fight Despite Budget Vetoes-Governor Slashes Pension Payment to Protect Millionaires Again
June 29, 2015
Gov. Christie had the opportunity to put the people of New Jersey before his own political ambitions by signing a budget that protects working families, funds public pensions according to the law and raises taxes on the wealthiest.
Unions Oppose Privatization of the New Jersey Turnpike
December 30, 2013
Labor unions across the state of New Jersey are joining with their sisters and brothers in IFPTE to oppose the privatization of the New Jersey Turnpike. A solidarity rally will be held January 23 in Trenton at the IBEW Local 269 hall.
HPAE, Police and Fire Union Leaders, Urge Override of Christie's Veto of S-1778
August 7, 2013
HPAE President Ann Twomey, as well as leaders of police and fire fighters' unons in New Jersey, are urging New Jersey state Senators to override Governor Christie's veto of a bill – S-1778 – that would have protected First Responders who are injured or contract a serious illness as a result of their exposure to dangerous substances in the line of duty. Nurses and other health care professionals are often part of a First Responders' team.
Mental Health Parity Bill for State Benefits Passes Assembly Health Committee, Next Step is Appropriation Committee
May 6, 2013
Early this afternoon, A1665/S1253, which provides that mental health benefits have parity with benefits for other medical conditii0ons, passed the Assembly Health Committee by a vote of 7 yes, 2 no and 2 abstentions. All seven Democrats on the committee voted for the bill but, unlike in the Senate, no Republican voted for the bill.
Republicans Amy Handlin and Erik Petersen voted No and Nancy Munoz and Mary Pat Angellini abstained. The bill next needs to go to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Calls to Speaker Sheila Oliver at 973-395-1166 are needed to show support for moving the bill forward. We are asking the Speaker that the bill be posted to the Appropriations or Budget Committee as soon as possible.
HPAE Joins Other Unions, Activists to Demand that New Jersey Companies Sever Ties with ALEC
October 1, 2012
HPAE President Ann Twomey joined the head of the New Jersey AFL-CIO and community activists to demand that New Jersey corporations sever their ties with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a right wing lobbying group that has pushed legislation harmful to unions, minority groups, and the middle class.