New Jersey Legislature Attacks Workers’ Rights

by Kyle Weidleman  |  June 24, 2011

Thousands of protesters gathered outside the New Jersey state capitol as the legislature voted on controversial anti-worker legislation. (Photo by Frank Jerez)

On Thursday, the New Jersey state legislature ignored the voices of approximately 8,500 protesters and moved forward with union-busting legislation. The state Assembly passed legislation that would roll back benefits for 750,000 state and local government workers and retirees and includes a stealth assault on collective bargaining rights.

A press release distributed by a coalition of public sector unions, including AFSCME Council 1, said that Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D) made "clear their intention [was] to join Gov. Christie's union-bashing and act unilaterally."

While the bill was being discussed, debated, and voted on, thousands of protesters made their voices heard inside and outside of the state capitol. Feeling betrayed by the Democratic-led Assembly and Senate, protesters held a New Orleans-style funeral march which included a hearse labeled "The Soul of the Democratic Party."

To make sure public workers' dissatisfaction was heard, about 20 AFSCME members sat in the Assembly gallery from noon until the vote was taken at 9:15 p.m. The public has also made evident that Gov. Chris Christie's (R) bullying of public workers is wearing thin. His approval numbers are at their lowest since he took office with only 44 percent approving of him and 49 percent disapproving.