Wednesday, June 18, 2025

New Jersey AFL-CIO's 2025 Legislative/Cope Endorsement Conference

On June 17th and 18th, AFT Local 1904 Officers joined other labor representatives from all over New Jersey in attendance of the New Jersey AFL-CIO's 2025 Legislative/COPE Endorsement Conference, "Rising the Meet the Moment," held in Atlantic City. Also in attendance were a number of national labor leaders, who offered wisdom, insight, and guidance on how our community can mobilize together to meet the demands of the moment. Conference delegates endorsed Congressional Representative Mikie Sherrill for NJ Governor, citing "her strong record of public service, her deep commitment to working families, and her unwavering support for organized labor." Delegates also endorsed various candidates for NJ Assembly, from a pool that included dozens of rank-and-file union members, whom they believe would amplify the voice of labor and serve as true allies to working families in NJ.

Bill Sullivan, Vice President for External Affairs, AFT Local 1904; Michael Heller, Treasurer, AFT Local 1904; Laura Field, President, AFT Local 1904; Jen Higgins, President, AFTNJ; Rich Wolfson, Past President, AFT Local 1904

No Kings Rally at the Lyons VA Medical Center

On Saturday, June 14th, Local 1904 joined with a number of community organizations and labor unions including AFTNJ and the AFGE local that represents the workers at the Lyons VA Medical Center. The federal workers at the Lyons VA are anticipating RIF (Reduction In Force) notices soon. To help shine a light on to this situation, we rallied against H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes provisions that would change veterans’ benefits, weaken the protections that veterans have when they enter public service after retiring from the military, and will weaken the ability of the VA hospitals and the care promised to our veterans. In addition to this event, rallies were held around the nation, and our officers and members joined in a number of demonstrations on this day in places such as Asbury Park, Montclair, Stroudsburg, and Bloomfield.

Ed Shannon, President, Ramapo Local 2274; Michael Heller, Treasurer, AFT Local 1904; Laura Field, President, AFT Local 1904; Shannon Case, Kean Local 2187; Bill Sullivan, Vice President for External Affairs, AFT Local 1904; James Castiglione, President, Kean Local 2187; Laurie LaFever, First Vice President, Montclair Adjunct Local 6025; Sue Tardi, President, William Paterson Local 1796; Two AFT Members; Brian Abrams, Vice President for Internal Affairs, AFT Local 1904; Rich Wolfson, Past President, AFT Local 1904; Sue Baglieri, Faculty Negotiator, AFT Local 1904

Bill Sullivan, Vice President for External Affairs, AFT Local 1904

Laura Field, President, AFT Local 1904; Stephanie YoungDrew Wallace, Member, AFT Local 1904; Brian Abrams, Vice President for Internal Affairs, AFT Local 1904

Maughn Gregory, Vice President for Personnel, AFT Local 1904

Jim Murphy, Bloomfield College Liaison, AFT Local 1904

Bill Sullivan, Vice President for External Affairs, AFT Local 1904; Sue Baglieri, Faculty Negotiator, AFT Local 1904; Michael Heller, Treasurer, AFT Local 1904; Laura Field, President, AFT Local 1904; Brian Abrams, Vice President for Internal Affairs, AFT Local 1904

Essex West Hudson (EWH) Labor Council Scholarship Breakfast

On June 1st, Local 1904 Officers joined other Essex County labor leaders at The Chandelier in Belleville to celebrate this year's EWH Labor Council student scholarship award recipients. The scholarship awards the sons and daughters of members who have excelled in school. The scholarship recipients are "not simply chosen for their GPA’s. Many of these outstanding individuals have demonstrated the kind of leadership, family and caring qualities that form the foundation of our union."

Rich Wolfson, AFT Local 1904 Past President, Laurie LaFever, Montclair Adjunct Local 6025 First Vice President, Robin Pinckney-St. John, AFTNJ Pre-K-to-12 Vice President, Laura Field, AFT Local 1904 President, and Bill Sullivan, AFT Local 1904 Vice President for External Affairs

Bill Sullivan, AFT Local 1904 Vice President for External Affairs, Laura Field, AFT Local 1904 President, and Rich Wolfson, AFT Local 1904 Past President

Members of AFT Local 1904 Show Up for Montclair Disability Pride

On Sunday, May 18th, hundreds gathered at Glenfield Park in Montclair to celebrate the local disability community during the 5th Annual Disability Pride Parade. The event was organized by 1in6 Support and Family Support Organization of Essex County in collaboration with the MSU Disability Caucus and the People with Disabilities Advisory Committee (PWD) of the Township of Montclair. A number of Montclair State students and employees, including members of the AFT Local 1904, were in attendance as organizers, speakers, performers, and general supporters.

Professional Staff and Librarian End of Semester Celebration

On Friday, May 7th, Professional Staff and Librarian Members of the AFT Local 1904, joined by a number of Local Officers, gathered at the 1908 Pub to celebrate the end of the semester. A great time was had by all! Thank you to all of those members who came out.

Rick Reid, AFT Local 1904 Teaching Faculty Coordinator, Michael Heller, AFT Local 1904 Treasurer, Laura Field, AFT Local 1904 President, Rich Wolfson, AFT Local 1904 Past President, Alex Sperling, AFT Local 1904 Professional Staff Negotiator, Karen Mingo-Campbell, AFT Local 1904 Organizing Coordinator, Ana Rita Mateo, AFT Local 1904 Student Intern, and Adrian Reagan, AFT Local 1904 Professional Staff Coordinator 

Chrissy Aguilera Murphy, AFT Local 1904 Member, Laura Field, AFT Local 1904 President, and Susan Hagen, AFT Local 1904 Recording Secretary 


Catherine Baird, AFT Local 1904 NAL Representative, and Karen Mingo-Campbell, AFT Local 1904 Organizing Coordinator