CWA LOCAL 1036

State Budget Wrap-Up and Thank You

THANK YOU to the members of CWA Local 1036. Your efforts in our budget mobilization were critical in applying the pressure needed to get this deal done before another government shutdown occurred again this year.

We generated thousands of calls to legislators and lined the hallways at the state house. We didn’t let legislators off the hook if they were blocking a compromise on the state budget.

The budget agreement reached by Governor Murphy and the Legislature took far too long to come together and went to the very brink of a government shutdown. But this fight was important because the ultimate result increases funding for education, transportation, public services, and public-sector pensions. Most importantly, this budget is actually backed by sustainable revenues that ensure these funding commitments continue into the future.

Below is a budget summary containing funding commitments that:

o Make an investment of $242 million in NJ Transit.
o Invest in college affordability
o Increase the state property tax deduction from $10,000 to $15,000.
o Make an $83 million investment in pre-K and increase K-12 funding.
o Preserve core services, programs, and communities.
o Enact a new child-and-dependent care tax credit and an expansion of the EITC.
o Make a historic contribution to our pension system.
o Restores the Homestead Rebate program
o Modernizes the school funding formula

The budget takes an important first step in a millionaire’s tax. CWA has been fighting for a millionaire’s tax for years, and this budget finally forces the wealthiest New Jerseyans (with incomes of $5 million and above) to pay their fair share. The Corporate Business Tax (CBT) also increases for four years. Corporations that are expecting huge windfalls from the Trump tax plan will be paying higher taxes to the State of New Jersey. These revenue generators will ensure that New Jersey will end the fiscal year with a surplus of approximately $750 million.

So, again, thank you, thank you, thank you to the members of CWA Local 1036. Many Stewards and Retirees stepped up repeatedly within the last two weeks to mobilize and bring members into the fight.

In unity there is strength!

Subscibe for Updates about the State Shutdown

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES ON STATE BUDGET SHUTDOWN.

Over this coming weekend, and especially with a holiday next week, it will be critical that members get communication from the Union.

Please complete the form so we can stay in touch!

Like Raises? Benefits? Stick with the Union!

Dear CWA 1036 Members,

As expected, the United States Supreme Court ruled, in a 5-4 decision, against workers and their rights to collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The case, Janus v. AFSCME, makes the entire public sector “right-to-work”, which is an ironic moniker for having no rights at work.

By allowing non-members to pay nothing for the services and benefits that having a Union provide; such as grievance representation, collectively bargained raises and benefits, and due process rights for discipline, the purpose of this decision is to undermine the Union, cause division among members and non-members, and make it more difficult to fight for our members.

There are open questions from the decision, such as the extent to which a non-member is still covered under our contract and whether they receive any representation from the Union if they pay no representation fee or dues.

The Janus ruling is a blow, to say the least, but it cannot and will not defeat us. Here in New Jersey, we stood together through eight years of one of the most anti-worker administrations in this state’s history. By standing together and standing firm, we fought off the worst proposals and emerged with a new administration and a new Contract. Make no mistake, we only made it through to this point by standing together as a Union. When we stand together and commit to fighting for one another we will not only survive whatever they throw at us but grow stronger as a result.

Please also understand that having a Union is what gives us the ability to fight for raises, benefits, and due process protections. Without a strong Union with vigiliant membership, ALL of those things are at risk, including the Contract that we ratified today.

Right now, solidarity and unity are more important than ever. We have no time to mourn, grumble, or pout.

Janus does one thing for certain – there are no more sidelines. There are members of the Union, fighting to protect one another and what we have gained by building power for workplace justice, and then there are people outside the Union, who are not a part of it. Our members are our strength and will continue to be.

In the last month alone, CWA 1036 has been working hard for members:

Settled the PNCR Contract, with an overwhelming majority in support;
Successfully defended our right to progression payments;
Fought to preserve and defend our pension system;
Protected members and non-members from the malfeasance of certain managers;
Signed up almost 100 new members;
Held dozens of worksite meetings across the state, keeping members informed about everything from workplace to international issues important to workers and their families;
Are CURRENTLY fighting to stop a state shutdown and make sure that any budget that passes does not endanger our healthcare or pensions

This is the work that our MEMBERS do. These are the victories that our MEMBERS win. None of it is guaranteed unless we keep fighting for it.

We are still CWA STRONG!

SOLIDARITY FOREVER.

PS - For more information on this decision, please visit:

https://www.cwa-union.org/cwa-strong-janus-decision-materials

CWA Members Ratify New Judiciary PNCR Contract

CWA members voted by a strong majority to approve a new contract with the NJ State Judiciary for the Professional NonCase Related bargaining unit.

We thank every member who voted. We thank every Steward who helped inform members about the agreement, helped members with voting, and brought new members into the Union. And we thank every member in advance for staying strong during negotiations.

Ballots were counted on June 29, 2018. Below are complete results.

YES	97.3%
NO	2.7%

PNCR NJ Judiciary

NJ is 2 Days from a Shutdown - June 28th State Budget Update

To try to break the stalemate over a state budget for next fiscal year, yesterday Gov. Murphy offered a compromise to Legislative leaders that would reduce the corporate business tax imposed by the Legislature, phase in a small sales tax increase over two years, and raise taxes on millionaires. All these tax increases would generate new sustainable revenue that will balance the budget and create a stable funding source for future years.

CWA supports a budget that increases sustainable revenue, including a millionaire's tax. The Democratic majority in the Legislature has previously voted multiple times to pass a millionaire's tax. The Legislature's current budget proposal is out of balance by over $800 million. This means we would certainly have a shortfall during the year that could force cuts to public services, to our pension payment or health benefits, and to other programs.

Do you support an increase in state revenues from a corporate business tax and millionaire's tax?

Do you support increasing resources for public education, improving public transportation, and funding critical public services?

Do you support the state making a full pension payment and living up to its contracts?

Here are 3 things you can do to make a difference:

1. Call Your Legislator Right Now! (609) 400-4763.

As to talk to your legislator or leave a message. Thousands of phone calls have been made and more are coming in every hour. Let's keep up the pressure until a better budget is passed.

2. Come to the State House on FRIDAY, June 29.

It is one of the last days where the Senate and Assembly could vote to pass a new budget. NJ needs this showdown to be resolved on Thursday so we can avoid a shutdown of state government that could last a long time.

3. Contact Local 1036 to stay informed of budget shutdown updates.

Send your personal email address and cell number to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This will help us send you regular updates about the shutdown if we are locked out of work.

...And Call Your Legislators Again! (609) 400-4763.

Please call your Legislators every day until the budget is passed.

NJ State Budget NJ State Members NJ Judiciary Politics CWA Local 1036 News

Statements on U.S. Supreme Court Janus decision

Statement from CWA President Chris Shelton

Today’s Supreme Court decision on the Janus v. AFSCME case marks a sad day for all working people. This decision continues a long campaign by corporate interests and right wing groups to restrict our ability to stand together. While these special interest groups might be celebrating their victory against workers’ freedom to join together in strong unions to speak up for themselves, their families, and their communities, union members will be using this as a rallying cry to fight back harder than ever before.
The right-wing attack on union fair share fees is all about making it more difficult for working people to defend themselves when corporations abuse their power. Today's decision is an attempt to further concentrate power in the hands of the wealthy few by taking away resources from working people who are represented by unions.

But there’s something happening here in America. We’ve seen it from CWA members as workers at Verizon, AT&T Mobility, Frontier Communications, and Momentive Performance Materials have gone on strike and won gains through strong collective bargaining. Our public worker membership is growing, even in states like Texas that prohibit collective bargaining for public employees. We’ve stood in solidarity with teachers and other public employees in many different states walking out and standing up to special interests – and winning.

Corporate special interest groups have been working for decades to strip away workers’ freedom to join together and negotiate for fair wages and benefits, and to improve our workplaces. They want to turn back the clock on achievements like Social Security, civil rights, wage and hour and safety laws, Medicare, and public education that unions fight every day to preserve.
Union members will show them that nothing can stand in the way of working people standing together. We call on elected officials at the local, state and national level to stand with working people and make it easier for them to join together in unions.

Statement of NJ AFL-CIO

“Although not unexpected, today’s ruling is another blow to America’s middle class, seeking to deprive workers’ from having a voice at work through their unions. Taking away a union’s ability to properly represent its members and promoting a “free rider” system to weaken the American labor movement is just another example of corporate and far right interests rigging the economy against the rest of us.”

“However, America’s unions will rise to the challenge. Today’s ruling will motivate us to work harder, work smarter and fight back. Workers recognize that unions are the best way to improve pay, benefits and working conditions for the approximately 13 million members here in America. We will continue to fight on behalf of our members and all workers that have been betrayed by a political system in which the wealthy and corporations pull the strings of power at the detriment of America’s middle class workers.”

Scholarship Announcements for Spring and Summer 2018

The Education Committee met on Thursday, May 17th and 1036R met on Wednesday, May 16th to select the recipients of the Local 1036 Continuing Education, High School Graduate and 1036R Retiree Chapter Memorial Scholarships. The 2018 High School Graduate Scholarship recipient is Cole Lee, son of Judiciary member, Kathleen Kitson. The 2018 Continuing Education and 1036R Retiree Chapter Memorial Scholarships recipient is Lukas Arnold, son of DEP member, AnnMarie Arnold. Recipients and their families will be encouraged to attend our June 6th membership meeting at the Masonic Temple in Trenton for a formal presentation.

The Committee is also happy to announce that our 2018 C. Jon Wineland & Virginia Wolf Union Building Awards and Peter D. Burkhalter Continuing Education Scholarship for Members applications are now available to members. The submission deadline is Friday, August 24, 2018.

Download the applications:

CWA Local 1036 News

Take Action Now! for a FAIR State Budget

NJ State Members Local Gov't Members CWA Local 1036 News

CWA Members Ratify New Burlington County Contracts

CWA members voted to approve new contracts with the County of Burlington for our Main Unit, Supervisors Unit, Prosecutor's Office Clerical Unit, and Superintendent of Elections.

Below are complete results.

Prosecutors Clerical Unit

YES	100%
NO	0%

Superintendent of Elections Unit

YES	100%
NO	0%

County Supervisors Unit

YES	76.5%
NO	23.5%

County Main Unit (non-supervisors)

YES	83.7%
NO	16.3%

Burlington County

Judiciary - CWA PNCR Tentative Agreement Voting - June 20 through June 28

CWA Local 1036 has reached a Tentative Agreement for PNCR Unit members. If approved by CWA PNCR membership, this Tentative Agreement will take effect as our new contract.

Read the Summary of Tentative Agreement [Adobe PDF]

Note: Voting is only for PNCR Unit members at this time. JCAU negotiations are still underway and JCAU voting will be a separate procedure. Information for JCAU will be sent separately.

The Tentative Agreement for a new PNCR Contract covers July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2020. Local 1036 Members will vote in person at your work site or by absentee ballot online. The Local-wide voting period starts at 9:00AM on Wednesday, June 20. Voting closes at 5:00pm on Thursday, June 28. Results will be announced on Friday, June 29.

SAVE THE DATE!

EXPLANATION OF TENTATIVE AGREEMENT BY TELE-CONFERENCE

June 18th at 7pm Dial-In Number: 888-409-5380

We encourage you to read the Summary of the Tentative Agreement before voting.

The Tentative Agreement restores and protects annual progression increases retroactive to 7/1/2016, provides for across-the-board percentage raises in both 2018 and 2019, bonuses for members who have been at maximum 2 for three years, and other benefits. It also provides retroactive compensation for eligible employees and retirees. We ask all members to exercise their right to vote on this contract.

VOTING PROCESS

The Tentative Agreement must be ratified by members. Non-members are receiving a different message encouraging them to join the Union, but they will not receive the Summary of the Tentative Agreement and they CANNOT vote unless they complete and membership card and join the Union before June 28.

There are 3 Ways to Vote:

1. Work Site Voting – AOC and certain Vicinages (see schedule below).

2. Online Voting – Certain Vicinages will be sent online ballots to your work email addresses (see below). Online ballots will be sent out starting June 15. Check your work email.

3. Absentee Ballot – if you cannot vote in your work site, you can request an absentee email ballot by calling Local 1036 at (609) 530-0060. You must CALL to request an absentee email ballot. Absentee ballots will be sent out starting June 15, and within 24 hours during the voting period.

All voting – both in person and online - is confidential.

1. WORK SITE VOTING

If you are unable to vote at your site and still want to vote in person, you can vote at any location below that is convenient for you. Or you can request an email ballot to be sent to you.

June 20 11AM – 2PM Ocean Vicinage, Toms River
June 21 11AM – 2PM Atlantic City Court House, Atlantic City
June 22 11AM – 2PM Cumberland County Court House, Bridgeton
June 25 9AM – 5PM Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton
June 26 11AM – 2PM Middlesex Court House, New Brunswick
June 28 9AM – 5PM Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton
June 28 11AM – 2PM Burlington County Court House, Mount Holly
June 28 11AM – 2PM Bergen County Court House, Hackensack

2. ONLINE VOTING

Members in Vicinages other than the above, and statewide AOC programs, will receive a separate email message to your work email address with voting information and a unique ID number so you can vote through a secure website.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Steward or contact the Local at (609) 530-0060.
Members with online ballots can vote online any time 24/7 between 9:00am Wednesday June 20 through 5:00pm Thursday June 28.

3. ABSENTEE VOTING

At any time, if you cannot vote in person at your work location or you need an absentee ballot for work or personal reasons, YOU MUST CALL THE LOCAL TO OBTAIN ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION. Call (609) 530-0060.

You MUST provide an email address (work or personal) in order to vote absentee. We will confirm your membership and send you a link to vote by absentee ballot.
Absentee ballots will be available any time during the voting period.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Call the Local at (609) 530-0060 OR EMAIL us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PNCR NJ Judiciary

Resources for State Executive Branch Members

Salary Charts

Members can use these salary charts to look up your salary, map out retroactive pay, and chart your salary after increases in 2017 and 2018.

Salary Chart - effective June 30, 2015 through August 14, 2017

Salary Chart - effective August 15, 2017 through June 30, 2018

Salary Chart - effective July 1, 2018

Health Benefits Calculators

Members can look up the cost of their health insurance plan and calculate their chapter 78 employee contributions based on salary.

Health Benefits Rates (2018)

Health Benefits Employee Contribution Chart

NJ State Members