Communications Workers of America Union Endorses Congressman Payne

Another of NJ’s Leading Progressive Labor Organizations Back Veteran Democrat

NEWARK, NJ – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) New Jersey union has endorsed Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., (D-Newark) in the upcoming primary for the 10th District Congressional seat. CWA represents more than 70,000 working families in New Jersey, including more than 40,000 state workers, 15,000 county & municipal workers and thousands of private sector employees in the telecommunications & direct care industries, and is considered one of the state’s leading progressive labor organizations.

“Throughout his career in Washington, D.C, Congressman Payne has consistently been a tremendous ally for both our members and the labor movement at-large,” said NJ CWA State Director Fran Ehret. “Our Union is proud to once again support his re-election campaign. And we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Congressman Payne to expand health care access, fight for economic justice and provide greater economic opportunities for New Jersey’s working families.”

Congressman Payne is a lifelong ally to the labor movement and has consistently received the highest ratings from labor unions, including a 100% rating from the CWA in 2020. He voted in favor of President Biden’s Build Back Better Act which included funding for provisions of the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The BBB Act includes funding for the National Labor Relations Board to enforce workers’ rights and levy fines of up to $50,000 on employers for each unfair labor practice they commit. Rep. Payne was an original co-sponsor of the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in 2020 and an original co-sponsor on H.R. 1319, or the Raise the Wage Act, which raises the minimum wage to $15/hour indexed to inflation. He is also a proud member of the House Labor Caucus and a former union member himself with a blue collar background that gives him tremendous insight into the struggles working families face.

“I want to thank the Communications Workers of America NJ and their outstanding leader Fran Ehret for supporting our campaign,” said Congressman Payne. “Whether it’s ensuring our government agencies are well-functioning or providing care to our most vulnerable citizens, communities across New Jersey depend on the vital work of CWA members. I’m proud of my 100% rating on CWA’s Congressional Scorecard, and I will continue to fight for the working families of New Jersey.”

Congressman Payne has recently been endorsed by the New Jersey Education Association and the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, and his campaign will be releasing additional endorsements from labor organizations, elected officials and advocacy groups in the coming weeks.

About Congressman Payne: 

A lifelong Newark resident, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., is a champion for working families, Democratic values and fighting to provide more opportunities for people in black and brown communities. He’s a devoted husband and father and a former union member with a blue collar background who has an immense respect for the dignity of work and the value of organized labor. A five-term Congressman, he was first elected in 2012 to succeed his late father, the legendary Rep. Donald Payne, Sr., who was the first Black Congressman in state history. Congressman Payne is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials in the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which has jurisdiction over major infrastructure initiatives including the Gateway Project that are critical to New Jersey’s economy. Congressman Payne co-wrote the House version of President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure act and has supported critical progressive legislation like the Build Back Better plan, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, the Equality Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and much more.

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