As New Jersey prepares for the inauguration of Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, her transition team has sparked controversy. They requested resignations from union-protected state workers, causing concern among state employees.
Transition Team Actions Raise Concerns
Mikie Sherrill’s transition team has reportedly asked for letters of resignation from appointed state government employees. This request includes thousands of workers who are protected under union agreements. Many affected employees are alarmed by this directive.
Clarification from the Transition Team
Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Sherrill’s team, stated that the governor does not intend to ask for mass resignations. He emphasized that the request targets only political appointees. Furthermore, the transition team has received inconsistent information from the outgoing administration, which compounded the issue.
Union Response to Resignation Requests
The Communications Workers of America (CWA), the state’s primary public employee union, advised members not to comply with the resignation requests. Workers had been informed that letters were due by January 14, but union leaders argued that the notices were not appropriate for employees under collective bargaining agreements.
- The CWA confirmed that members would retain their job protections, regardless of the resignation request.
- Unclassified workers, who have been in their positions for three years or more, cannot be terminated without proper cause.
Employee Reaction and Implications
The resignation requests have resulted in a backlash among staff. Employees shared their frustration, interpreting the transition’s actions as alarming and unwarranted. Many feared the implications of being compelled to resign against their will.
Statistics on State Workforce
According to a 2024 report by the Civil Service Commission, New Jersey has approximately 64,000 state employees. This total includes about 13,700 unclassified workers primarily employed in departments of Law and Public Safety as well as the Treasury.
Political Context
Mikie Sherrill recently defeated her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, by a 14-point margin in the November election. Sherrill, a former congresswoman, will officially take office on January 20.
Although it is typical for incoming governors to request resignations from political appointees, the scope of Sherrill’s requests has prompted confusion and concern. The CWA continues to work with the transition team to address the situation and clarify the intentions behind these requests.
