News

Biden forgives student loans for an additional 78,000 public service workers

AFSCME President Lee Saunders praised the White House’s announcement Thursday that the Biden administration will forgive student loans for an additional 78,000 borrowers — including many AFSCME mem

When Crisis Hits, We Can Count on AFSCME NJ

In the wake of a particularly vicious hurricane season, Houston, Southern Florida and Puerto Rico were left devastated. Homes, cars, and businesses were destroyed leaving people without a place to stay or even a job to go back to. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria have affected the lives of thousands of our AFSCME brothers and sisters, many of whom are tasked with rebuilding their communities before they can attend to their own needs. 

WATCH: Why AFSCME New Jersey?

WATCH: What is AFSCME New Jersey?

AFSCME NJ represents more than 20,000 women and men who go to work every day to keep NJ working. There are more than 30,000 retired and AFSCME members living in New Jersey. New Jersey is AFSCME Strong!

Click the photo below to watch the slideshow!

Hurricane Harvey: A Message from Pres. Lee Saunders and Sec.-Treas. Elissa McBride

As you know, a devastating hurricane reached landfall in southeast Texas over the weekend. 

Winds reached more than 100 miles an hour, with at least 50 inches of rain expected in some areas by the time the storm is through. There is widespread property damage and power outages. Much of Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, is underwater. Roughly 7,400 AFSCME members are in the heavily-impacted areas.

NJ Assembly Votes Unanimously in Favor of Furloughed Workers

Almost a month after Governor Chris Christie manufactured a budget stalemate that resulted in tens of thousands of state workers being furloughed over the 4th of July holiday, he has signed legislation providing back pay to those employees who were furloughed over the three days. The signing came one day after the State Assembly voted unanimously to amend the state budget to provide pay for more than 30,000 workers who were prevented from working during that time.

Budget Settlement Reached

It took three days, public uproar, and thousands of workers to urge Governor Chris Christie and the Legislature to end the shutdown and put state employees back to work. Many of our AFSCME sisters and brothers who have dedicated years of service to the people of New Jersey were shut out. 

Son of AFSCME NJ Member Wins 2017 AFSCME Family Scholarship

Daniel Derramas, son of AFSCME NJ Local 2273 Member Joan Derramas, won the 2017 AFSCME Family Scholarship award. His award-winning essay highlights the vital his mother’s work plays for her patients at Preakness Healthcare Center and the surrounding community.

Letter From Exec. Dir. Sharpe About Christie Statement on State Pensions