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The New Jersey State AFL-CIO congratulates our IBEW 94 brothers and sisters on securing a first contract at the NAES Co-Generation plant in Linden, New Jersey. This was a hard fought campaign, and we recognize the solidarity of both workers and Local 94 for making this victory possible. The Co-Gen plant has been in operation for 26 years without a union in place, making this success for the 39 member workforce all the more powerful.
When the NLRB election was held back in February, the union was approved by a single vote. Since that time, Local 94 was in continuous negotiations with NAES, working hard to negotiate a first contract for the workers. On November 3rd, a tentative agreement was reached and on the evening of November 13, 2017, 90% of NAES employees voted to ratify their new contract with representation by IBEW 94.
In recognition of this victory IBEW 94 Business Manager Buddy Thoman stated, “We would like to thank the entire negotiating committee, staff of Local 94, along with NAES employees Dave Bishop, Tom Turon, for all of their hard work in reaching this first agreement. I also want to thank all of our new members at the Linden Co-Gen for being patient and hanging strong since we started this whole organizing effort. There were many days, in the last year, when our negotiations became difficult and contentious. I congratulate everyone for staying strong and believing in the IBEW and Local 94. By the vote on the contract it is clear, the employees of the plant got stronger as time went on. Congratulations and welcome to the IBEW.”
Despite political attacks, when we as workers resolve to come together for a common purpose, there is nothing that can prevent us from exercising our collective voice. Once again, we recognize Local 94 for its leadership and solidarity. As we know, every local’s success strengthens our movement as a whole.