Supporters gather together and march to help raise awareness on education worker's lack on contracts
GLASSBORO - A "Day of Solidarity" was held on Monday afternoon at Rowan University to help raise awareness about education workers' contracts.
The American Federation Teachers union's local chapter, AFT 2373, held a gathering behind Rowan's Robinson Hall to draw attention to the lack of progress with a new statewide contract. These contracts not only affect teachers but other staff workers at educational institutions and librarians as well.
The last contract ended nine months ago, last July, and leaves salaries frozen in place and the possibility of heath care costs to increase.
Dr. Joe Basso, a professor in the public relations and advertising department and AFT 2373 chapter president, explained that negotiations over the contracts have been at an unfortunate standstill.
"We have made countless proposals known and we've gotten little if any feedback and fair negotiations from the state. The state has just been in the position that they're going to offer us nothing, take it of leave it," said Dr. Basso.
Contract negotiations have been in the process for several years now. The last four-year contract saw an increase in worker's wages by 1 percent in the third year and 1.75 percent in the last.
As salaries remained fairly stagnant, health care coverage cost increased to a 35 percent co-pay by recent state legislation. This change has left some workers, especially those who have started recently, earning less after the costs of benefits.
Despite these conditions teachers and staff have continued to provide the same standard of education and service to students.
"We're still out here doing our job every day because we know it's about the students..." said Dr. Basso. "But we have to feed our families too."
The demonstration was held at a booth located in a high foot-traffic area of the university. Blue shirts were worn by participants to draw attention from people walking by and signs with various slogans were carried as well.
Tim Haresign, the AFT Council President of the state, shared some words with supporters.
He explained that efforts to gain a fair contract from the state would continue. And despite having an "absentee governor" he hopes that the administration looks after their workers more in the negotiation process. Some members of AFT have felt a lack of support from the administration, not just at Rowan but statewide as well.
In response to the demonstration, a representative from the Office of the President, Vice-President for University Relations Joe Cardona, explained that the state negotiates on behalf of the administration of Rowan University.
Even with administration cooperation, some still are worried that no changes will come until New Jersey has a new governor.
"The way things are going right now, it feels as if we're being squeezed and the actions of the state are moving towards diminishing the middle class rather than growing it," said Amy Woodworth who is a professor of writing arts at Rowan.
After the speech, supporters took up their signs and began marching and chanting around the university. The short procession started a small circle path leading the group around a couple of the main buildings that housed administration offices and by Route 322.
Students also came out to help show their support for the "Day of Solidarity." They donned the shirts that were being given out and worn by AFT members and marched with them in support holding signs. They said they hope their participation will help show their appreciation to their teachers and staff and for the administration to make a change.
"My mom, is also a teacher and she's been working without a contract and I know all about that," said Julia Clarke, a junior attending Rowan University. "And it's really hard in a single-parent household for her to pay the bills and not have a contract, and it keeps getting worse and worse."
Anthony Medina may be reached at amedina@njadvancemedia.com. Follow South Jersey Times on Twitter @theSJTimes. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.