AFSCME New Jersey, who represents 30,000 current and retired government workers, is endorsing U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-10) for standing up “for the labor movement as a whole.”
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Congressman Payne has been a true champion for so many of the issues our members care about most,” said AFSCME NJ Executive Director Steve Tully.
“He’s a co-sponsor of the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, a bill that would expand our members’ collective bargaining rights and make it easier for them to fight for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions. That’s just one way that Congressman Payne is standing up not just for AFSCME members, but for the labor movement as a whole.”
Additionally, Payne was an original co-sponsor of the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in 2020, which expands various labor protections related to workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain.
He also voted in favor of President Joe Biden’s (D) Build Back Better plan, another key legislative priority for AFSCME.
“For the past two years AFSCME members have been on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19, ensuring that New Jersey residents have the services and support they need from our government. Their crucial work solves problems ranging from everyday municipal and county issues to food insecurity, vaccine distribution and so much more,” added Payne.
“It’s never been more clear how important these men and women are – the term essential worker is often overused, but in the case of AFSCME members it could not be more relevant. I’m thankful for their support and proud to have their endorsement. I pledge to always stand with working families and the labor movement.”
As election season heats up, Payne has secured the support of the New Jersey Education Association, the Communication Workers of America, U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ), as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
The primary election is on June 7th and Payne has two declared challengers in Imani Oakley and Akil Khalfani.
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