The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee voted 10-1(1) to advance a bill to merge New Jersey City and Kean Universities despite concerns brought up by a labor union at yesterday’s hearing.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
CWA 1031 President Kathleen Hernandez testified that while she was in favor of the merger as a whole, Bill S-4881 has language that NJCU workers will be treated as new employees once the two schools come together and that needs to be remedied.
“While we are supportive of the merger, we represent workers at both schools. The proposal currently in front of you is absolutely unacceptable,” she said.
“Not only does it step on NJCU members civil service rights by stripping all their collectively bargained job security protections, but it sets a dangerous precedent for future mergers, which should raise alarms for all the state’s public sector unions … These terms should be grounds for concerns.”
Additionally, she called on state legislators honor the seniority of CWA members in the merger, which had occurred in the past, citing a collaboration between Rutgers and Rowan Universities.
She also wanted the “working test period” outlined in the bill should be removed from the bill, while a one-year moratorium on possible layoffs should be added.
During committee members remarks, state Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) sought clarity on the $25 million in state funds being allocated to the merger.
Committee Chair Paul Sarlo (D-36) explained that this is a reduction of $30 million that was going to appropriated to the merger effort over a three-year period. Instead, there will potentially be a $25 million allocation upfront.
O’Scanlon appreciated the clarification and voted yes.
“I applaud Kean University for stepping up here. As you all know, New Jersey City University was struggling financially … It’s a big undertaking. And over time they’re not going to be able to get the money,” Sarlo stated.
“I applaud the president and leadership there for stepping up for constituents in the area. “I understand the CWA’s concerns. That’s not really part of this bill. We hope that you folks continue to work with the employer.”
Hernandez asked if she could respond, to which Sarlo said she could not. She yelled out that the language of the bill certainly affects current employees, before Sarlo explained that public comment had ended and they were in the middle of a vote.
“I’m not clear on the CWA issues. If CWA is concerned, I’m concerned,” state Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14) said before abstaining.
“Unfortunately, this is going to be the future of universities in this country. Enrollment is down. People are going to look to partner,” state Senator Teresa Ruiz (D-27) argued, noting that Kean absorbing NJCU was a far better outcome than closing.
“I’m very confident something will be worked out,” state Senator Renee Burgess (D-28) said before voting aye.
“Labor harmony has to be achieved in some fashion. I’m going to yes and reserve my vote on the floor to see how this all works through,” state Senator John Burzichelli (D-3) added to conclude the vote.
The bill cleared the committee 10-1(1), with state Senator Michael Testa (R-1) voting no and Greenstein abstaining.
The NJCU board voted to pursue a merger with Kean back in March, a move supported by Gov. Phil Murphy (D), with the two schools signing a letter of intent in May, all of HCV first reported.
 to advance a bill to merge NJCY and Kean Universities yesterday.){kind=link}
Just ugh.