State of New Jersey and Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO Reach Tentative Agreement on New Four-Year Contract
The State of New Jersey and the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO (CWA) announced a tentative contract agreement in principle for a four-year contract impacting nearly 32,000 state workers.
“I am incredibly proud that we were able to work together to reach this contract agreement providing nearly 32,000 working families with fair wages and benefits,” said Governor Murphy. “This agreement will lift up our middle class and represents an important step in our journey of creating a stronger and fairer New Jersey for every family. At a time when many working families are struggling with the rising cost of living, we are ensuring that our State employees can do their jobs with the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve.”
"CWA members are part of the essential workforce that provides vital services to New Jersey residents and help keep this state running,” said Dennis G. Trainor, Vice President of Communications Workers of America District One. “I want to thank the Governor and his Administration for working with us to settle a historic contract that will lift up all New Jersey workers, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Governor to continue making New Jersey even stronger."
The preliminary agreement will provide transformational changes for tens of thousands of public servants in New Jersey and their families, including across the board raises of 3.5 percent annually over the life of the four-year contract, resulting in greater take-home pay, as well as substantial changes to the civil service ranges and steps that will increase the salary guide for many of the State’s lowest paid workers. The contract also includes meaningful reimbursement rate increases for eye care and the addition of one day of bereavement leave each year.
The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2023 and will run through June 30, 2027. The total cost to the State will be forthcoming once the contract is ratified based on the agreement in principle.
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Statement by Governor Murphy on Federal Government Shutdown Attempt by House Republicans
“President Biden has worked in good faith on a bipartisan basis with leaders in both the House and Senate to craft an agreement that funds core priorities, including our military and air travel.
“Now here comes the extremist wing of the Republican Party – bases loaded, bottom of the ninth, score tied – hellbent on making an unforced error. It’s clear they lack both the will to govern or even the slightest desire to do right by the people who elected them. These extreme House Republicans have turned their backs on the bipartisan budget deal President Biden negotiated with Congress, and now Speaker McCarthy has allowed their chaos to march us toward a government shutdown that will damage our economy and national security.
“A protracted government shutdown would have devastating consequences on New Jersey’s economy and on our national security. Servicemembers wouldn’t get their paychecks, travelers could face airport delays, and critical cancer research would be stalled. It is completely avoidable and extreme House Republicans need to stop playing political games with peoples’ lives and keep the government open.
“We will be monitoring developments closely to minimize any impact on the people of New Jersey. This is yet another reason why I have pushed for a more robust surplus over the last six years. New Jersey is much better prepared today for such contingencies."
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Statement by Governor Murphy on Recent Legal Filing by the Gun Lobby Pushing for More Guns at New Jersey Playgrounds and Youth Sports Games
"At a time when parents across New Jersey are sending their kids back to school, I am furious that the gun lobby is trying to dismantle our state’s strong gun safety laws by advocating for more guns in playgrounds and youth sports games. These extreme right-wing organizations will not relent until guns are allowed everywhere, especially places with children.
“New Jersey is one of the safest states in the nation in no small part due to our strong gun safety laws, including our longstanding verification procedures that make sure firearms-carriers do not pose a threat to public safety. While greed and fanaticism continue to fuel the gun lobby, public safety will always guide our decisions.
“I am proud that the vast majority of our law restricting concealed carry of firearms in sensitive locations has been upheld by the Third Circuit and am grateful to everyone who worked on that law, including Senate President Scutari and Speaker Coughlin, for helping to keep our residents safe. We will remain steadfast in defending our nation-leading gun safety laws and maintaining our position as a national leader in protecting families from gun violence.”
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Governor, First Lady Tammy Murphy and New Jersey Department of Education Establish First-in-the-Nation Office of Climate Change Education
To support New Jersey’s nation-leading climate change education efforts, Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) announced the establishment of the first-in-the-nation Office of Climate Change Education within the NJDOE’s Office of Innovation to further climate literacy and environmental awareness among students and educators across the state and to prepare students for the future jobs created by the green economy. In addition, the NJDOE announced the hiring of Sarah Sterling-Laldee as Senior Climate Change Education Advisor to lead the Office.
“In the midst of some of the worst climate related events that our country has ever faced, New Jersey is taking a proactive stance in combating climate change, and education is the foundation of our efforts,” said Governor Murphy. “Through this initiative, we are not only fostering environmental consciousness but also preparing our youth to innovate, lead, and shape effective solutions for a greener world.”
"As our state and our world move closer to clean energy and green technologies, we have a unique opportunity here in New Jersey to properly equip our students to be at the forefront of the high paying jobs that power the future," said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The establishment of the Office of Climate Change Education, led by the incredible Sarah Sterling-Laldee and dedicated specialists, will help develop best practices and approaches to assist our best-in-the-nation teachers in educating the next generation of climate literate leaders of the future green economy.”
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Governor Murphy Announces Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti As Chief of Staff
Governor Phil Murphy named New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as his next Chief of Staff. Gutierrez-Scaccetti will succeed the Governor’s longtime Chief of Staff George Helmy, who is scheduled to leave the Governor’s office at the end of the month. Gutierrez-Scaccetti will begin her new role on Monday, October 2, 2023 and will continue to serve as NJDOT Commissioner until January.
“Diane has been a dedicated member of our Administration since day one and I am looking forward to welcoming her to our senior leadership team in the Governor’s Office,” said Governor Murphy. “She has built an impressive track record leading the Department of Transportation and has earned the respect of legislators and elected officials across the state. Having worked with her for six years, I know that her experience and skillset make her the ideal choice to lead our entire Administration.”
“I am honored that Governor Murphy has entrusted me to serve as his next Chief of Staff,” said incoming Chief of Staff Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “I had the privilege of working with George Helmy closely on transportation and infrastructure policy and am grateful to him for his four and a half years of service in this role. I am committed to continuing to build on the Governor’s achievements on behalf of the people of New Jersey.”
"Governor Murphy has made an exceptional choice in selecting Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti to serve as his next Chief of Staff," said outgoing Chief of Staff George Helmy. "I have worked closely with her and seen up close her leadership, expertise, and tenacity in spearheading the rebuilding of our State’s infrastructure. I know Diane and the rest of the team will serve the people of New Jersey well and continue to build on the Murphy administration’s unprecedented record of accomplishments."
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Official Site of The State of New Jersey
