The following statement on Gov. Christie’s veto of the prevailing wage provision of the Economic Opportunity Bill (A3680) should be attributed:

“Vetoing the prevailing wage provision in the Economic Opportunity Act is a slap in the face of  the nearly 400,000 working New Jerseyans on food stamps who desperately need family-sustaining jobs,” said Kevin Brown, New Jersey State Director of 32BJ SEIU. “Recent fast food strikes around the country demonstrate that workers are fed up with low-wage jobs.  Prevailing Wage ensures that workers have the kind of jobs that help create family-sustain middle class jobs.”

“Everyone can agree that New Jersey’s public resources should be directed toward expanding opportunity, growing the economy, strengthening communities and empowering families. The question is: why is Governor Christie against a provision created to accomplish all of these?

With more than 145,000 members, including 9,000 in New Jersey, 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.

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