We all remember what happened in 2022 — a 20% increase in premiums that blindsided state workers with no warning, no transparency, and no accountability. We fought it then, we’ve been fighting it ever since, and unfortunately, we are back in that fight today — because once again, state workers are being forced to carry the cost of decisions we had no hand in making.
Here’s what’s happening right now:
Last week, the State Health Benefits Commission released a proposal for a 19.7% increase in state worker healthcare premiums.
At the same time, the Governor and Legislature passed a budget that includes $100 million in cuts to the SHBP — not real savings, but a budget gimmick that they will almost certainly try to make us bear the brunt of through increased costs or cuts to our care.
This wasn’t a mistake. This was a demand made in a backroom by Governor Murphy, and once again, state workers are being treated like a line item instead of the people who keep New Jersey running.
Let me be clear: this is a crisis, and CWA is not standing by. We’ve spent the past several months organizing and mobilizing, speaking with legislators, and building a broad coalition with a dozen other public worker unions to demand a solution to these unsustainable healthcare cost increases. And while the Governor has refused to negotiate or include us in the process, we have legislative allies who are standing with us, and a plan to fix this.
If you missed last night’s discussion and presentation, click here to watch the recording.
The only thing that changes the outcome is collective action. We’ve done it before — and we’ll do it again.

-Billy Gallagher, Assistant to the Vice President, CWA District 1

Upcoming Actions & Meetings

We’ll need big turnout for these! Reach out to your CWA Local for more details and how to attend
• Thursday, July 24 – Committee Hearing in the Assembly on our healthcare bill, A5903
• Monday, July 28 – State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) Meeting