CWA gets a new contract

Nearly 32,000 state workers are set to see significant pay hikes thanks to a new four-year contract, the Murphy Administration and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced last Thursday.

The contract includes several features that the union sees as essential to strengthening their workers. Key provisions include a 3.5% annual pay raise during the contract’s duration, independent of any step increases; increases in the reimbursement rate for eye care; and one day of bereavement leave each year for workers. The contract is retroactive to July 1.

“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,” said Murphy.  “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.”

The contract still must be ratified by union members, but CWA leadership seems confident that the contract will be adapted.

“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, the Vice President of CWA District 1. “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.”