The Jersey City Public Employees Local 245 members brought their ongoing contract woes to last night’s city council meeting, just nine days after they picketed outside City Hall for being without a contract for six years.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
During public comment period, Hudson County Commissioner (D-2) Bill O’Dea, a mayoral candidate, spoke on behalf of the union.
“It’s time for you to get involved in the process. After six years, you can’t say it’s not our problem. You can’t say we’re waiting for the administration,” he began, noting they have approved municipal budgets that should have the funding for union contracts.
“If there is no money in there, then where the heck are you going to get the money to pay when that six-year contract finally gets settled? And if you failed in each year of your budget process to reserve money… then you failed in your duties and responsibilities as an elected official.
O’Dea also emphasized that they put their lives on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic while most people were still able to stay home, so it’s time for the council to get involved.
Along with two other mayoral candidates, Ward E Councilman James Solomon and former Gov. Jim McGreevey, O’Dea joined the picket on Monday, as HCV first reported.
“They’ve been at the tale a couple times. There’s more to it than this,” Council President Joyce Watterman, another mayoral candidate said.
“I know they were at the table. We’re not involved in the actual day to day. I think they actually do really need a contract,” Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore noted.
A couple of union members, including their presidents, also addressed the governing body.
“Assist us and put this travesty of a non-contract behind us … We want to continue to work with you in solidarity,” Local 245 member Craig Howard said, claiming that housing expenses in the city are 71 percent higher than the national average.
He noted housing expenses in the city are 71 percent higher than the national average.
“We’ve been called to service thru the pandemic to set up COVID-19 sites throughout the city. Our members got COVID and passed away. We still have no contract,” Local 245 President Santo Della Monica declared, claiming the city is stonewalling on negotiations.
“ … The city got COVID money, $150 million. Still we’re without a contract … I didn’t ask for state of emergency money. It was put in the contract and I accepted it. Now every time we come across our contract, the city is violating it. We came here to ask u for help.”
Dellamonica also criticized Mayor Steven Fulop’s TV ads for governor, since some have portrayed him as union friendly, while Local 245 still doesn’t have an agreement. He also reiterated his point that no local unions have backed him for governor.
“Is there any way those guys could get back to the table and hash it out?” Gilmore asked.
Business Administrator John Metro said they have a closed negotiation session in two weeks, indicating that their state of emergency pay remains the main sticking point.
“We’re gonna continue to work on this one,” he added.
“Do we know where we’re at with the police contracts as well?” Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh asked, to which Metro said they are working on this too.
“Don’t act like we haven’t done anything. We’ve been at the table. You’ve been at the table,” Watterman asserted.
Fulop explained last week that since Gov. Phil Murphy (D) has allowed state of emergencies to linger, that could theoretically cost the city a lot of money since they are mandated to pay either time-and-a-half or double pay in those scenarios.
However, an appellate judge ruled in the city’s favor shortly before the protest last week and the mayor said they won’t change their stance on this since they have a responsibility for taxpayers.
In other news, City Clerk Sean Gallagher noted they amended a new cannabis ordinance after the caucus to make minor changes requested, such as a cap of six consumption lounges each ward.
The measure passed 8-0(1) on first reading 8-0-1, with Watterman abstaining.
Similarly, the council approved an ordinance on first reading to rename their Ward D municipal office after the late Councilman Michael Yun 9-0. First readings very seldom have any internal debate or discussion amongst the governing body.
This is sad.
Steve Fulop just gave most of his City managers merit raises AND cost of living raises but we can not get a contract. There’s a nonexistent parks director who has had multiple raises in the 2 years he has been here and has done nothing to earn them. Catch him at the cigar bar with Danny Rivera or out of town with his city truck. $41,900 salary is not enough for us while Fulop’s friends make at least 6 figures.
VOTE RAS BARAKA FOR GOVERNOR!
VOTE BILL O’DEA FOR MAYOR!!!