After months of bargaining with the state and tireless collective efforts from members across all NJ Locals, CWA NJ State Executive Branch members have voted to ratify their new four-year contract by an overwhelming majority of 94% to 6%.
| Administrative - Clerical Unit | Professional Unit | Primary Level Supervisors Unit | Higher Level Supervisors |
| Yes - 96.21% | Yes - 93.97% | Yes - 92.77% | Yes - 92.6 % |
| No - 3.79% | No - 6.03% | No - 7.23% | No - 7.4% |
The contract outlines the strongest wage increases in over a decade, with some members earning up to a 56% increase in pay over the life of the contract. This contract also protects healthcare, creates a new Step 11 which raises maximum salaries for every member, and establishes a new CWA minimum wage.
Members across the state expressed support for the contract, stating that "This contract is a blessing, and the union has always had our backs," Pablo Albilal, DHS; with others relaying that wage increases mean "more mental stability, more flexibility, and more financial freedom," Spencer Kerkhoff, DEP.
Adam Liebtag, President of CWA Local 1036 credits our members for the ratification of this contract, "Local 1036 members had a direct impact on this tentative agreement. We were clear and unwavering on our priorities from the start. Protect an aggressive salary path for newer members to grow over the next 4 years. Permanently raise salaries for those who have been maxed for years. Protect healthcare benefits. Negotiate a robust telework program. Our members proved again that we do our best work when we stick together.”
We know we're stronger together, so let's gear up to fight for a permanent telework policy.