By: Ty Hyderally, Esq., Francine Foner, Esq., and Adela Barbura

Following months of bargaining, workers in the telecommunications and direct-care industries will receive safeguards and fair compensation rates. On September 28, 2023, the Communications Workers of America (“CWA”) reached a tentative four-year agreement (“Agreement”) with the State of New Jersey that provides expansive benefits and wages to nearly 32,000 state workers.

The Agreement includes across-the-board raises of 3.5% annually over the life of the four-year contract, which will result in “greater take-home pay,” i.e., a livable wage for all CWA-represented members. Additionally, these raises will yield “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 Agreement reduces the number of temporary positions by converting them into full-time bargaining unit positions. Furthermore, the Agreement also includes “meaningful reimbursement rate increases for eye care and the addition of one day of bereavement leave each year.”

In a press release applauding the outcome, Governor Phil Murphy stated “[t]his 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 Trainor, Vice President of CWA District 1, which represents almost 70,000 state workers.  “When CWA fights, we win, and the strength of this agreement is a testament to our membership’s solidarity and demand for dignity at work.”

The Agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2023 and will run through June 30, 2027.

The Agreement spotlights the success workers have had in gaining greater benefits and protections from the State of New Jersey. Hopefully, New Jersey workers in other sectors who are fighting for fair pay and benefits will have similar success stories.

Sources: Governor Phil Murphy’s Press Release and CWA’s Full Tentative Agreement.

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