To: All CWA Local 1081 Members
From: David H. Weiner,
President
Date: March 31,
2010
Re:
Oppose A-2580 – the Civil Service “Opt Out”
Bill
Assembly Bill A-2580 provides that by merely passing an ordinance, counties and towns in New Jersey can opt out of the Civil Service System. The Civil Service System meets New Jersey's constitutional mandate that public employment be based upon Merit and Fitness and wherever possible selection for public employment should be by competitive examination. The Civil Service law requires that preference for public employment be given to returning war-time veterans.
Because Civil Service requires that workers are employed based upon objective criteria and protects public employment from political pressure, it has had the added benefit of preventing discrimination and patronage in most public jobs. A twenty-year trend demonstrates that women and minorities and other discriminated classes have been able to take advantage of the non-discriminatory Civil Service System to gain and maintain employment and advancement within all levels of government.
The Civil Service system has protected the public by preventing elected politicians from firing career public workers and replacing them with political supporters. If A-2580 were to become law, it will make every public job in county and municipal government a patronage appointment, will lead to greater discrimination and will harm returning veterans who already suffer from 16% unemployment.
Civil Service "Opt Out" is a provision of Governor Christie's "tool kit" to attack public employment and public workers in New Jersey.
A-2580 is being sponsored by two South Jersey Democrats, Assemblyman Paul Moriarity and Assemblyman John Burzichelli.
The bill is opposed by the AFL-CIO, Public Worker Unions, Veterans and Civil Rights groups.
All members of CWA Local 1081 are urged to call the bill’s sponsors and tell them that you oppose the A-2580:
Assemblyman Paul Moriarity – (856) 232-6700
Assemblyman John Burzichelli – (856) 251-9801
The bill has been referred to the State Government Committee for a hearing. Call Committee chair Assemblywoman Linda Stender and tell her not to post the bill: (908) 668-1900.
Call Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and tell her not to advance this bill: (973) 395-1166.
Call your own Assembly members and tell them that you oppose A-2580.