Greetings,

For us as Part-Time Lecturers, we highlight one important issue in this election:

Part-time employee rights to pension and health benefits
Corzine/Weinberg will defend them, Christie/Guadagno want to get rid of them

Governor Corzine's record is clear. In 2008, Jon Corzine defended our right to earn a pension and option to purchase health insurance benefits as part-time employees, when some legislators in Trenton attacked these benefits with an aim to eliminate them entirely. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Corzine and member advocacy efforts in conjunction with our allies, we preserved them.

In 2009, Chris Christie takes up the attack against part-time employee benefits.  

Of the 88 ways Christie will "fix" New Jersey, #18:

"I will eliminate pension and health benefits for all part-time employees and political appointees. Only full-time employees should qualify for a public pension."

Chris Christie made this clear on the Dennis & Michelle Show on NJ 101.5 on March 19, 2009 and spells it out in print on his campaign website: 

http://www.christiefornj.com/about/88-ways-chris-christie-will-fix-nj.html

The outcome of the election on November 3 is important for the future of quality education, state budget funding, health care, and the right to have a voice in our working conditions. When comparing the records and campaign statements, AFT Rutgers and the legislative committee of Rutgers AAUP-AFT determined that Corzine stands with us far more consistently on issues that matter than Christie. To see our side-by-side comparison, click here: http://www.rutgersaaup.org/events/election_comparison.pdf 

You can make a difference in this election. Call us at 732-964-1000 to learn about Labor Walks or phone bank opportunities. Just a couple of volunteer hours from you between now and November 3 would help us send a strong message that higher education faculty are a critical voice for a better future. 

In Solidarity,

Mike Slott
President, Rutgers PTLFC-AAUP-AFT