A NEW BEGINNING !
October 1, 2013 marked a new beginning for County and Municipal workers along the Jersey Shore who now have a Union Local to call their own. CWA Local 1075 was chartered by the CWA National Union to cover more than thirty bargaining units in Monmouth, Ocean and Atlantic counties.
The trusteeship of Local 1038, and its predecessor Local 1034, caused a huge distraction for members and staff. The work of the union suffered. The infighting and problems that led to the trusteeships did not come from the Monmouth County office or any local government units.
Tired of being overshadowed by these problems, Municipal and County workers petitioned the National Union to separate from the State government units dominating the Local. With the support of District VP Chris Shelton, the National Executive Board agreed and Local 1075 was born.
Local 1075 will have its full focus on County and Municipal workers.
The creation of Local 1075 restored control of the Local to the members where it belongs. An election conducted by the Trustee in September, allowed members to elect Local Union officers for the first time in years. And, for the first time ever, Ocean and Atlantic County members have representation on the Executive Board!
LOCAL 1075 EXECUTIVE BOARD GETS TO WORK
The Executive Board conducted its first meeting November 18th, 2013. The Board reviewed preliminary budget numbers and discussed the various committees required under the Bylaws as well as the scheduling of membership meetings and a host of other issues.
The Trusteeship of Local 1038 resulted in the depletion of the Local 1038 treasury. As a result, Local 1075 received very little start-up funds. Despite this, the new officers are confident that we can, and will, overcome all of the hurdles we face and make Local 1075 an efficient, effective union that Jersey Shore public workers can be proud to call their own!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: from Kevin P. Tauro
First, I want to thank all of the members and stewards who have stood together, stood up for their union, stood up for their rights and stood up for me over several difficult years for our Local Union.
It was your support and confidence that drove this ship through troubled waters and enabled us to achieve a new Local dedicated to protecting and advancing the interests of County and Municipal workers. We now have a Local Union returned to its members and restored to its mission of focusing on what really matters --- your wages, benefits and working conditions.
Over the past five years we have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Through it all, I have seen the members in our area come together like no other segment of the Union. It sent a message loud and clear. I am honored and grateful for the way this membership stood up for itself.
That solidarity is what got us through the internal storm and what will enable us to get through the challenges ahead. We now have the opportunity to build Local 1075 into a strong, effective fighting force. With your continued help, support and participation we will make that happen together.
Superstorm Sandy One Year Later
Hurricane Sandy had an enormous impact on members of Local 1075. Many had homes damaged or destroyed. Some are still displaced a year later. Although “first responders” are usually identified as police, fire and first aid, the fact is our members in County road crews and DPW units were out in the teeth of the storm, clearing the way for the others to get through.
But it wasn’t just our blue-collar members. From 911 Dispatchers to White-Collar clericals, Inspectors and Reclamation Center workers, all were called upon to step up. And step up we did! Our members put in extraordinary time and effort to serve the public. Many worked in buildings with no power or heat. Those outdoors faced all kinds of hazards from the unprecedented destruction and debris.
Of course, everyone had their own homes and families to worry about while serving the public. But very little recognition came our way from the media or the politicians for the work our members did under these most difficult circumstances.
Public workers got the Shore back on its feet. Unfortunately that did not translate into more appreciation for what we do, or less scapegoating. It didn’t take long for hypocritical politicians to target public employees again and oppose fair contract settlements.
To be sure, the economy of the Shore took a huge hit. Tax roles have been reduced. These economic realities will confront us at the bargaining table for the foreseeable future.
However, we will stand up and defend our wages and benefits. Public workers rose to the challenge of Sandy and deserve to be recognized for it with fair and decent contracts.
Public Workers are the backbone and muscle that make Jersey Strong!