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The Outreach Committee Needs YOU
Alex Sperling, Outreach Committee
As springtime approaches, the AFT Local 1904 Outreach Committee has several programs for the local community, and we are looking for some support:
On-Campus Food Pantry (Ongoing)
To combat the reality and struggle of food insecurity for our students, Student Development and Campus Life is establishing an On-Campus Food Pantry. You can help us help our own! Donations can include non-perishable food items, monetary donations and gift cards. Donations can be made at the Center for Student Involvement in the Student Center, or the Library room 140 [learn more]
Toy Drive for St. Joseph's (March 1st to April 15th)
Help the Montclair State University Men's and Women's Hockey teams, the Montclair State University Department of Campus Recreation, Floyd Hall Arena, the Montclair Blues, and the NJ Jackals collect new toys and books for the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Paterson, NJ. All donated toys will be distributed directly to current patients of the pediatrics floor or to help re-stock the Children's Hospital play room. Please bring your new toy or children's book donations to either Floyd Hall Arena or the Student Recreation Center.
Soup Kitchen (Date coming soon!)
We will be visiting the Park United Methodist Church in Bloomfield to provide help serve food to local people in need. The program will run from 9:30 am to 3pm, and includes meal preparation, service and clean-up. Date will be announced as soon as it can be secured, but will be on a Sunday. If you would like to be included on the program, email Alex Sperling
Animal Shelter (Early April)
Returning again this year we will be visiting the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover. This program will take place on a Saturday, in the morning. Tasks can include cleaning, meal preparing or fundraising work, and is typically completed by 1pm. Contact Alex Sperling for more details.
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Building Trades Leaders Call For Solidarity in Fight Against Friedrichs [video]
New Jersey State AFL-CIO
Realizing that the Friedrichs case is no more than a special interest attack on all workers' rights, Building Trades leaders called for solidarity in the face of the latest threat to our livelihoods.
The video [you can watch it here] is introduced by New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech and features Mercer County Building Trades President and District 14 Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo; Laborers Local 55 President and Essex County Freeholder Wayne Richardson; IBEW Local 456 Business Representative and New Brunswick City Councilman Kevin Egan; and Plumbers Local 24 Business Manager Eric Boyce.
Their message is clear: our economy is severely out of balance with a select few controlling the vast majority of wealth. As a result, workers are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet, and this case could make things even worse. It doesn't matter what sector of the labor movement we come from because an attack on one is an attack on all.
The fact remains that the best results are achieved when workers are able to exercise their voice on the job. New Jersey unions will continue to stand together to ensure economic justice for workers and prosperous communities. To achieve this goal, we must "Stay Union, Stay Strong!"
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Calling All Those Considering Running For Public Office
Rich Wolfson, Local 1904 President
Each summer the New Jersey AFL-CIO runs its Annual Labor Candidates School. In the past some of our members have participated in the school and have become more aware of how the process works as well as having the opportunity to participate in a forum where important networking contacts are possible. Successful completers of the school are also in line for an endorsement from the AFL-CIO membership as well as campaign assistance including the AFL-CIO phone bank when appropriate.
If you are even considering a run for public office you should talk to Bill Sullivan our External Vice-President and we will fill out the appropriate sponsor paperwork and make arrangements for your attendance.
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Scholarship Money For Your High School Senior Essex-West Hudson Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Ten (10) $1,000 Essex County Labor Scholarships will be awarded for one academic year to high school seniors whose guardian(s) is/are a member of a local union affiliated with the Essex-West Hudson Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. To be eligible for an award, the recipient must be accepted at an accredited college or accredited post-high school education program. Application deadline: April 15, 2016. [Download the application here]
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Solidarity Walks Every Wednesday
Join Us at 12:30pm in front of Cafe Diem
 Increments reward hard work, longevity, and loyality! Remind Dr. Cole and Gov. Christie that you've earned your increment. Show them that they are AFT Local 1904's mobilizers-in-chief by wearing an AFT Button, blue shirt, or an AFT t-shirt and/or joining us on the Solidarity Walks every Wednesday at 12:30pm in front of Cafe Diem.
Want a free AFT button, t-shirt, or rain poncho? Contact AFT Local 1904's office (ext. 4453) to make arrangements to get one.
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In Other News
What AFT Members Need to Know About the Friedrichs Case [aft.org]
Powerful Lawmaker Goes After Federal Employee Union Enrollment
[govexec.com]Christie pension commission calls for N.J. public worker health care cuts [nj.com] New Jersey Fights to Safeguard Workers' Pensions [capitalnewyork.com]A fight is coming in N.J. over pensions, minimum wage, sick leave [nj.com] Study: Increased Student Aid (Not Faculty Salaries) Drives Tuition Up [insidehighered.com] Steep Cost of NJ's Public Colleges Works Against Students, Hurts State [njspotlight.com] New Jersey lawmakers seek to limit college tuition hikes [nj.com]
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Current Events and Topics of Interest
For daily updates on items of interest to union members and activists, sign up for the COPE News Service. To subscribe, email amkorotkin@aol.com with subject "COPE Subscribe" |
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Richard Wolfson, President
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President's Corner
As you undoubtedly know, Justice Antonin Scalia's untimely recent death had a significant effect on decisions that the Supreme Court planned to render in their current session. In particular the Friedrich's vs the California Board of Education case affects us, and all public employee unions, profoundly. If you would like particulars on that case with an excellent video look here. But one thing is for sure and that is that the efforts of the 1% to diminish the ability of Labor to protect our people will not abate. In this case, I think we have avoided a devastating decision in the short term but we will certainly have to face this or similar attacks in the future.
Because of that, the Local is in the midst of a concerted effort to build membership and show the administration and the Governor that we stand together in our desire to negotiate fair contracts with appropriate wage increases that cover inflation as well as larger medical share costs. Each year that the administration withholds an increment or that we don't get a cost of living increase we go further behind and our salaries have less and less purchasing power. Making the matter worse is a Governor that uses our wages as a political chip in his effort to secure a job when he leaves office. I know this situation is bad but the Local 1904 negotiators and I am committed to a fair contract. To make that possible, membership is essential. If you know any of your colleagues who are not members but you think are willing to join, please contact me directly and I will figure out a way to help personally. It's important and a valuable way for me to spend my time.
And while I have your ear the 2016 election cycle may turn out to be the most important in our generation. Supreme Court appointees impact us personally and the next president will make a Scalia replacement appointment and maybe even 2 more after that. Nationally a total of 469 seats in the U.S. Congress (34 Senate seats and all 435 House seats) are up for election and in NJ there are important ballot questions concerning Pensions, the Transportation Trust Fund, and Casinos in North Jersey. We all agree Congress is dysfunctional and the only way to make it different is to speak up with our votes. To that end, the Local is planning a voter registration drive as well as being committed to getting you timely important information so you can make intelligent choices that are in your best interests.
For now I see spring peeking out and I hope to see you at our next General Union Meeting where two important constitutional changes will be discussed. These things are important and it's the way democracy works. Till then...
In solidarity,
Rich Wolfson
President, AFT Local 1904
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Mark Your Calendars
AFT Local 1904 Events
Solidarity Walk Every Wednesday 12:30-1:00pm
Rain or Shine. Meet us in front of Cafe Diem. Wear blue.
BKMUW Scholarship Deadline
March 2, 2016 4:30pm EST
[learn more]
General Union Meeting
March 16, 2016
2:30-4:00 pm
Student Center 419
Refreshments served Professional Staff Reclassification Workshop March 17, 2016 12:00-1:30pm Location: Student Center 419
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