Heldrich Center Workers Celebrate Election Night with NJ Democratic Leaders

November 4, 2008 - On election night, leaders from the New Jersey Democratic Party gathered at the Heldrich Center to participate in the making of history, as Barack Obama was elected this country's first African-American President.

The Democratic leadership in attendance included Congressman Frank Pallone (pictured above with union members Kelli, Casey, Shannon, Holly, Chanelle and Belia), Newark Mayor Corey Booker, NJ Governor Jon Corzine, US Senator Frank Lautenberg, New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill, and NJ State Senator Dana Redd.

Each of these elected officials is a strong supporter of our union, and together they ensured that our struggle for an excellent first contract at the Heldrich Center remained in focus throughout the night.

Holly Bryant, who works at the Heldrich Center and was influential in organizing her coworkerrs to fight for the union, spoke at the event. "I want to thank the many elected officals here tonight who have agreed to speak up on our behalf through letters, phone calls and public statements...Today is a new day for America, but we still have to work in unity to obtain the change we can ALL believe in," Holly said. 

Other Local 96 members followed up by speaking individually with the Democratic elected officials in attendance, urging them to speak with Heldrich General Manager Mike Taylor about their support for our union and the importance of the Heldrich negotiating with us in fairness and good faith. 

This exciting event came on the heels of the Heldrich negotiating team's October 29th bargaining session, which was also marked by a high level of community support. Helen Pirello from URA-AFT Local 1766 and Sara Lo from the Rutgers Labor Association both joined us at the bargaining table, providing more evidence to the company that the New Brunswick community stands united in demanding local jobs that provide good benefits and a living wage. 

The next negotiating session is scheduled for November 18th.