The New Jersey State AFL-CIO commends Gov. Murphy for Supporting Workers at Colleges & Universities and for Upholding Collective Bargaining Agreements

A-4680/S-2932 signed into law: Addresses the loss of jobs through subcontracting

Legislation sponsored by Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-3) and Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-3) will place restrictions on the ability of higher education institutions to subcontract jobs while a collective bargaining agreement is in place – and therefore eliminate good-paying union jobs. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks sponsors Sweeney and Burzichelli for championing this legislation and thanks Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin for posting it in the Assembly.

“When labor and management bargain in good faith, management must honor the conditions of that contract and not undercut the basic importance of job protection,” New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said.

“This law will ensure collective bargaining agreements are not undermined due to the subcontracting of jobs while a contract is in effect, and it encourages further dialogue between both parties in the best interest of all parties involved,” Wowkanech concluded.

A-4680/S-2932 was supported by the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and AFSCME, AFT, AAUP, HPAE and other unions of higher education.

“Working collaboratively leads to results,” said AFTNJ President Donna M. Chiera. “I appreciate the efforts of Senate President Steve Sweeney, a primary sponsor of this legislation, which gives workers at four-year colleges and universities the same protections as their colleagues in Pre-K to 12 and community colleges. Thanks also go to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin for his commitment to pass it and to Governor Murphy for signing it into law.”