May 28, 2009

Maplewood Township Update

On Wednesday, May 25, 2009 the CWA Maplewood Bargaining Team met with the Township Administrator and the Township attorney to negotiate over the furloughs and the reduction in hours of some of our members.  The recent PERC ruling prevents the Township from proceeding with the furloughs and reduction the hours of full-time employees until Maplewood negotiates with CWA.

In the mailing from last week, we explained that if we do not accept furloughs, the Township will layoff additional employees. The changes that have been negotiated require a vote before they can be implemented.  The meeting to explain the proposed changes will take place on:

Thursday, June 4, 2009, at the

Dehart Community Center from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Lunch will be provided

The changes that were negotiated must be approved by the Town Council at their next meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2009.  The information we are providing you today is subject to this approval.

In the Update we mailed to you dated May 21, 2009, we indicated that the Township was not going to furlough the part-timers.  At the meeting on May 27, 2009 the Township clarified this position.  Part-timers will be furloughed if they are scheduled to work on a Friday.  The Jitney Drivers and Crossing Guards are excluded from furloughs.  Workers who have had their hours reduced from full-time to part-time are excluded from the furloughs.

CWA will explain the changes at the meeting next week and full members can vote between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and return to work.  Absentee ballots will be accepted.  Please use the ballot provided, put it in a sealed envelope and sign your name on the envelope if you will not be attending the meeting.  Absentee Ballots can be given to any member of the Bargaining Committee.  Your committee consists of:  Pete Valestin, Ken Malavasi, Tim Ellis, Terry Jones, John Singleton, and Minalee Carson.  You must vote to accept or reject the entire package.  The Bargaining Committee believes the proposed changes should be accepted. 

CWA Local 1031, AFL-CIO <>84 Culver Rd., Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852

P: 732 274-2171, F: 732 274-0154, Web: www.cwa1031.org