Workers Continue Fight to Advance Stalled TTF Bill
Workers filled the streets and halls of the capitol complex today as the state Senate took up crucial legislation concerning unemployment compensation for strikers, and a deadline loomed to place the pension funding question on the ballot this year.
With thousands of jobs on the line, workers also realize the necessity of funding the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The New Jersey State AFL-CIO supports the compromise funding bill, S-2411/A-12, and will continue to prevail upon legislators to take up and approve this legislation. CLICK HERE to urge your legislator to support TTF funding now.
During a noon rally in front of the Statehouse, hundreds of union members called on legislators to approve a measure that would place the pension funding question on the ballot for voters to decide. The deadline for the Senate to act is August 8th. It is therefore imperative that every union member lend his or her voice to this effort. CLICK HERE to send a message to your state Senator now and show your solidarity for our brothers and sisters.
“This year, our votes have the power to restore the state pension system to fiscal health,” stated New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “Your vote is not only vital to the lives of 800,000 active and retired workers, but also brings discipline to the state budget and better positions us to grow New Jersey’s economy to benefit all workers.”
Shortly after rallying alongside their public employee brothers and sisters, members of UNITE HERE Local 54, who have been on strike at the Taj Mahal since July 1st, held a press conference with Senate President Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, to advocate for a bill, S-2160, that would extend unemployment compensation to workers on strike. The state Senate passed this legislation later that afternoon, and the Speaker announced he would be posting the bill in the Assembly as well. To view the full Senate roll call vote, please CLICK HERE.
“We applaud legislators for taking action today to support our striking brothers and sisters at the Taj Mahal,” stated President Wowkanech. “When government works for working people, we can achieve justice for our families and communities and better the lives of all New Jerseyans.