NJEA statement on Rutgers strike

NJEA’s officers, President Sean M. Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty and Secretary-Treasurer Petal Robertson, issued this statement in support of striking faculty and staff at Rutgers University:

“We stand in solidarity with Rutgers faculty and staff who are striking for the dignity, security and professional respect they deserve. Great faculty and staff are at the heart of every great university. The faculty and staff of Rutgers University provide a critical service to New Jersey families and are key players in our state’s success. New Jersey is a national leader in both PreK-12 and higher education and we need to respect and reward the professionals who make that happen at every level.

We also applaud the efforts of Rutgers staff to advocate for students with their calls for fee waivers and housing affordability to ensure that the university remains accessible to all New Jersey residents. All schools are communities and Rutgers faculty care about the health of their whole community.

On behalf of all NJEA members, we call on Rutgers to negotiate in good faith and to agree to contracts that reflect the excellence of the university’s faculty and staff.”