Dear AFSCME Brothers and Sisters:

Happy New Year!  2012 will be a very important year for union members and public employees.  Our primary focus will be on the upcoming presidential election, the Congressional elections, and closer to home, the Governor’s ongoing attempt to target many of the benefits that our Union has fought for and won over many years of collective bargaining.   The key to our success is we have stood strong and must continue to be strong and united whether it is to help to re-elect the President of the United States, elect supportive members of Congress in our effort to help move a worker friendly agenda.     

This year, it is even more evident that we must be vigilant in our fight against those who will try to destroy all we have won in previous battles.  Sick Leave, Civil Service, union protection and many other hard won benefits are on the radar screen to decimate, we must prevent this. There are a number of legal actions pending against recently enacted legislation, which adversely impacts public employees.  A superior court judge has sued the Governor over the pension reform contributions, unfair labor practice charges or complaints are pending, and grievances have been won on the issues of salary, furloughs and employment protections.  During these difficult times we must stay firm and fight for what is rightfully ours. Admittedly it will not be easy or quick, but we must and will continue to stand-up for our hard fought benefits and rights, besides nothing ever comes easy for workers.        

Let me reemphasize “this year is very important for us, not only in New Jersey, but across the country”.  Whether it is Wisconsin, Indiana or others, the key to labor’s success is we must remain united, stand firm, be vigilant and fight for our beliefs.

WE are accustomed to bumpy rides. They provide a level of excitement and high energy.  Hang on!

In Solidarity,

Sherryl Gordon