New Jersey Unions Protest Budget Cuts

June 01, 2010

AFSCME workers were among the nearly 40,000 union members and community supporters who descended on downtown Trenton to protest budget cuts.

Photo Credit: John Rice

Thousands of AFSCME members joined with other union members recently and sent a strong message to lawmakers: Stop assaulting the middle class! Stop benefiting the rich!

The protest rally in front of Trenton’s State House drew nearly 40,000 union members and supporters. Their wrath was primarily directed toward Gov. Chris Christie (R) who is proposing sweeping cuts to social services, public schools, public health facilities and libraries. The governor also stirred outrage two days earlier when he vetoed the “millionaire’s tax” on individuals who earn more than $400,000.

“We are urging the Legislature to restore the tax on millionaires and ease the burden on the middle class,” says AFSCME Local 888 (Council 1) Pres. Mike Holland, a senior carpenter at Rutgers University. “The proposed cuts will be devastating to workers and New Jersey citizens. That’s why we stand united against the governor’s destructive policies.”

Other AFSCME locals and affiliates from across the state sent busloads of members to Trenton to show their solidarity. Led by Frances Cintron, president of Local 2306 (Council 52), the Hudson County employees included social workers who are deeply concerned about Christie’s budget cuts. “Right now he’s going after state employees and the teachers, but sooner or later he’s going to come after us,” Cintron warns. “They’re not going to stand for it and neither are we.”

“The governor’s policies which favor the rich are galvanizing a new political movement in this state,” adds Holland. “We’re only asking our elected officials to act responsibly. But we’re also telling them that unless they treat us fairly, we will vote them out of office in November.”

The “Stand Up!” Citizens Rally – the largest protest ever held outside the State House – prompted one Trenton columnist to write: “Christie’s cuts are radicalizing a whole generation, especially teachers who are taking the hits.”

Legislators are expected to approve a new budget in early June.