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.
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,
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Charles Wowkanech President
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Laurel Brennan Secretary-Treasurer
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