have to be prepared for everything. I’d rather have too much in-
formation than no information at all. That’s part of the treasure
trove you can take to the benefit of your Local.
Tamaine Grier, Mercer County Corrections Officers Local 167
SOA Recording Secretary: I think the hardest part, honestly, is
dealing with the administrators because they try to make ev-
erything political. You know, from walking the walk, it’s a whole
different view. Even though some have been on the inside, once
they become administration, they forget everything that we deal
with. I just think it takes a lot of good negotiation and a strong
executive board.
What information was particularly
valuable or impactful?
Matt DeSantis, Burlington County Corrections Local 249
member: You can’t just all go to the top (of the pay scale). You
have to look at the bottom, too. You know, look to the future. You
can’t always just figure for now. You have to figure the future as-
pects of what’s to come – what will or won’t be there.
Kyle Thornton, Hamilton Township Local 66 President: Well,
one thing is they’re telling us exactly what percentages they’re
seeing in the healthcare benefits and how to negotiate them
down. Also, where to find the money with the towns. Where they
might hide it. What to look for. There’s a lot of information we
can use when we go to the table.
Antonio Santos, Mercer County Corrections Officers Local 187
member: I learned a lot about the labor laws, the different rules
for civil service and basically what the court can and can’t do.
The attorneys are great. They provide a lot of information and
a lot of scenarios that you wouldn’t think of. Some of the things
they say I really can relate to because of some of the things we go
through on the job. Thinking outside the box, having to negoti-
ate a contract and what is negotiable really stuck with me? Some
things are not even negotiable. And what to put in a contract
and what type of language can be used in a contract.
Shakira Verdejo, Irvington Local 29 member: I just want to get
more educated on grievances and arbitrations. A lot of people
lack an understanding of grievances and arbitration. So this
block of instruction was really good.
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