Dear CWA
Member,
Here is
an update on what is going on with furloughs, the budget and CWA’s negotiations
regarding furloughs and the budget.
As you
probably know, the Public Employee Relations Commission did not enjoin the May
furloughs. In particular, PERC did
not adequately consider whether the State is obligated to negotiate over the
decision to reduce our salaries through furloughs.
We will ask the appellate court to tell PERC that it must make an
independent decision on this issue.
But
there will be no decision on this matter in time to stop any May furloughs.
(For one thing – the courts are furloughed May 22 also.)
We are
also filing appeals with the Civil Service Commission, claiming that the way the
furloughs are being carried out violates Civil Service rules and statutory
layoff and seniority rights. We are
also arguing that the furloughs are being conducted in bad faith.
Economic
conditions in
We are
still in discussions with the Corzine Administration and we are still trying to
work out an agreement that preserves the integrity of the Contract and that
protects our members from layoffs.
The discussions are not going well, but we will continue to try to reach an
agreement.
We are
also in discussions with the Legislature about the Budget and we are targeting
particular Legislators to get help protecting our members from budget cuts.
Our members who live in the districts of these Legislators will be
getting special letters that instruct them how to make “patch through” calls to
those Legislators.
We know
that this is a very difficult time for our members.
We are working every day to protect our jobs and standard of living and
we will keep you informed as matters progress.
In
Solidarity,
John E.
Rose, President
CWA Local 1031, AFL-CIO