Assembly Approves Unemployment Benefits for Striking Workers

Today, members of the state Assembly passed S-2160/A-3819, a bill that will allow workers to access unemployment benefits after 30 days on strike or depending on the nature of the labor dispute. We thank our many affiliates and allies, who joined us in supporting this important legislation, and urge the governor to, for once, put the interests of working families first and sign this measure into law.

CLICK HERE to see how your legislators voted.

Far too often, workers are taken advantage of by unscrupulous companies that use their size and resources to force workers into accepting unreasonable wages and working conditions. This legislation would ensure workers are not starved back to work by their employer, that they have the means to stand up for fair treatment on the job, and can have a basic level of income to provide for their families during a prolonged labor dispute.

Workers with UNITE HERE Local 54 were on strike for more than a month at the Taj Mahal after billionaire Carl Icahn stripped away health care and pension benefits from casino workers and took away their half-hour paid meal break. Rather than respecting the needs of workers, management announced its intent to close the property, forcing approximately 3,000 people out of work.

It is clear that additional protection is needed for working people, fighting for fair treatment in the workplace. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks the primary sponsors of this legislation, Assembly members Quijano, DeAngelo, Giblin, Benson, Zwicker, Danielson, and Houghtaling as well as Senate President Sweeney and Senator Joseph Vitale.

When workers’ rights are undermined, employees shouldn’t have to sacrifice their livelihoods just to stand up for the justice they deserve. This legislation marks a strong step forward and the New Jersey State AFL-CIO will continue to lead in this effort.

In Unity,

Charles Wowkanech President	Laurel Brennan Secretary-Treasurer

Students Walk Out In Support of Locked Out Faculty at Long Island University, Brooklyn

Hundreds of Long Island University students walked out of their classes at noon on Thursday to protest the administration's continued lockout of their professors, a move they say has compromised their education and the rights of students and teachers alike. Many said that classes—taught by an interim staff—were as disorganized this morning as they had been on Wednesday, the first day of the semester. 

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John Oliver's Take-Down of Charter Schools

On August 21st, John Oliver (on his HBO show, “Last Week Tonight”) issued a strident criticism of the waste, fraud and abuse in the charter school industry, including mid-year school closures, companies that put profits above the well-being of students, and the growing lack of oversight and accountability at institutions upon which our students rely. You can watch the video, below.

Local 1904 Volunteers at the Community Food Bank

Saturday, July 23rd: AFT Local 1904 members and Montclair State University Students help out those with food insecurity at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey. Pictured here are Louise Davies, Judith Evans, Mike Heller, Jennifer and Duncan Higgins, Giselle Salas, Alex and Ali Sperling, and Rich Wolfson.