The Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1080 today rallied for a new contract with the Union County Division of Social Services. For six months, CWA Local 1080 has been negotiating with Union County and has not made headway.

In November, CWA requested that water be tested in all three office locations. The County tested water at the Elizabeth office and discovered lead. The County promised to test the other two work locations-  one in Elizabeth and one in Plainfield – but CWA has yet to receive any results.

CWA is also waiting to hear back about disability insurance – since these workers do not receive state disability, and they pay more for a very limited benefit.

“Moreover, while Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senator Patrick Diegnan are currently introducing legislation to expand paid family leave throughout the state, Union County workers do not have access to paid family leave,” said CWA spoksman Joshua Henne. “CWA is also demanding Union County grant workers coverage under the state’s Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) or the equivalent.

“These workers help their community’s most vulnerable, often dealing with sky-rocketing caseloads,” Henne added. “Their job is emotional and it’s difficult.  Healthcare costs for the workers have increased, while pension costs have increased.”