New Jersey

NJ governor election: Who is winning the labor union endorsements?

Published

4 months ago

June 28, 2025

Press Room

NJ governor election: Who is winning the labor union endorsements?

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill has received endorsements from several New Jersey labor unions, including AFSCME, AFL-CIO, JNESO and RWDSU.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli has been endorsed by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and Local 285.
Local 825’s endorsement of Ciattarelli is a change, as they previously supported Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy against Ciattarelli.

New Jersey labor unions have started announcing their choices in the November election for governor.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, nearly all favor the Democrat in the race, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-NJ. Democrats have traditionally garnered more union support than Republicans.

But an anomaly has emerged since the first such announcement June 11, the day after the primary: The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 declared for Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

It’s an unusual, but not unprecedented, move for Local 825 for pick a Republican for the job. The union supported outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in his two races, including a close one in 2021 against Ciattarelli.

These are the major union endorsements thus far.

AFSCME endorsement

On June 11, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees New Jersey Council 63 endorsed Sherrill.

“Mikie Sherrill has a deep respect for public service and a strong track record of standing with working people,” Executive Director Steve Tully said. “She understands the critical role that AFSCME members play in keeping our communities running, from public health and public safety to essential municipal and state services, and she knows that work is under attack.

AFL-CIO

On June 17, the New Jersey State American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations endorsed Sherrill.

“She understands the dignity of work, the importance of strong unions, and the role that labor plays in building a fair economy,” President Charles Wowkanech said. “As our next Governor, she’ll fight for quality and accessible health care for every family, for great public schools for every kid, and to make New Jersey more affordable for everyone.”

The state AFL-CIO has more than 1,000 affiliated local unions.

JNESO

On June 17, the Jersey Nurses Economic Security Organization District Council 1, IUOE-AFL-CIO endorsed Sherrill.

“Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill knows how to keep people and our communities safe,” said Elfrieda Johnson, president of the JNESO Board of Directors. “She understands the need to protect health care workers and to ensure that affordable care is available to all New Jersey residents, especially our most vulnerable populations. She is committed to nurses and health care workers having the resources needed to protect their patients, and to continue providing the best quality care to keep patients healthy and safe.”

Council 1 represents approximately 5,000 nurses, technologists, dieticians, social workers, case managers, and respiratory therapists at 19 facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Local 285

On June 19, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 285 endorsed Ciattarelli.

“We face an energy crisis, an affordability crisis, and a crisis of common sense,” Business Manager Greg Lalevee said. “The solutions are basic but may not be political popular. We need a governor that will tackle our challenges and not cave to the fringe political voices. Jack Ciattarelli understands New Jersey and what needs to be done to fix our great state.”

Local 825, based in Springfield, has more than 8,000 members in New Jersey and in Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and Delaware counties in New York.

RWDSU

On June 23, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union endorsed Sherrill.

“Mikie Sherrill is the kind of principled leader working people need in New Jersey,” President Stuart Applebaum said. “From fighting for union rights in Congress to supporting critical investments in public services, she’s demonstrated that she understands both the dignity of work and the needs of working families. She’s shown up for our members — not just with words, but with action — and we know she’ll continue to stand up for workers as governor.”

RWDSU represents 15,000 workers in grocery, retail, warehousing, health care, manufacturing, transport, public service sectors and other industries.

SEIU

On June 25, the SEIU New Jersey State Council endorsed Sherrill.

“New Jersey’s working families deserve a Governor who will champion justice, opportunity, and the dignity of every person,” President Megan Chambers said. “In Mikie Sherrill, we see a leader with a clear vision for protecting our civil liberties, defending our democracy, and ensuring immigrant communities are treated with humanity and respect.

The council is composed of unions representing service employees, including healthdare, warehouse, laundry, and school cafeteria.

Council of Machinists

On June 25, the New Jersey State Council of Machinists, AFL-CIO endorsed Sherrill.

“The New Jersey State Council of Machinists is a diverse labor union representing over 20,000 New Jerseyans, but we have one mission: to support skilled laborers and make sure working families are being paid and treated fairly,” President Cristino Vilorio said. “We need a governor who will champion that mission, which is why we are so excited to support Mikie Sherrill.”

The council represents more than 20,000 state residents and is part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO.

32B SEIU

On June 27, 32BJ SEIU endorsed Sherrill.

“Mikie co‑sponsored the PRO Act to strengthen workers’ rights and fought to raise the federal minimum wage — real, tangible actions that prove she understands the struggles working families face,” President Ana Maria Hill said. “She doesn’t just talk about supporting unions—she fights for them. We need leadership that will keep New Jersey moving forward, and that’s exactly what Mikie Sherrill offers.”

The union represents about 15,000 property service workers in areas such as janitorial, security, airport, and school custodial in New Jersey.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

Have a tip? Support local journalism with a subscription.

Source link

Click to comment

New Jersey

Newsweek names New Jersey’s best hospitals for 2026 – NJBIZ

Published

3 hours ago

October 24, 2025

Press Room

Newsweek names New Jersey’s best hospitals for 2026 – NJBIZ

Listen to this article

Newsweek is recognizing the top health care facilities in the U.S. in its America’s Best-in-State Hospitals 2026, released Oct. 22.

Of the more than 6,000 hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 800 made this year’s ranking. Of those, 11 are in New Jersey.

In partnership with data firm Statista, Newsweek evaluated hospitals based on:

Peer recommendations from medical professionals
Hospital quality metrics from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other public data sources
Patient experience scores
Accreditations and certifications from recognized organizations

Those that made the ranking “consistently demonstrate excellence across medical specialties, safety, and patient satisfaction,” according to the publication.

“Health care decisions are deeply personal, and patients deserve reliable information when choosing where to seek care,” said Alexis Kayser, Newsweek health care editor. “The hospitals recognized on this list represent the very best in patient-centered care, combining medical expertise with compassion and innovation to improve lives in their communities.”

Care close to home

According to Newsweek, New Jersey’s Best-in-State Hospitals for 2026 are:

No. 1: Morristown Medical Center, Morristown | Atlantic Health System
No. 2: Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood | Englewood Health
No. 3: Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick | RWJBarnabas Health
No. 4: Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack | Hackensack Meridian Health
No. 5: Overlook Medical Center, Summit | Atlantic Health System
No. 6: Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick | Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
No. 7: Cooper University Hospital, Camden | Cooper University Health Care
No. 8: Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro
No. 9: Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch | RWJBarnabas Health
No. 10: The Valley Hospital, Paramus | Valley Health System
No. 11: Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck

Last year, 10 hospitals in New Jersey made the list. Holy Name was the addition to the 2026 ranking. U.S. News & World Report released its own list of best hospitals in July, with some repeat honorees to Newsweek’s.

Health care kudos

Englewood Health shared its hospital’s results in an Oct. 23 announcement, noting its No. 2 ranking in the state and highest in Bergen County.

Warren Geller, president and chief executive officer of Englewood Health — Geller

“We are honored to once again be recognized among the very best hospitals in New Jersey,” said Warren Geller, president and CEO of Englewood Health. “This award reflects the dedication of our entire team—physicians, nurses, and staff—who work tirelessly to provide exceptional care and an outstanding experience for every patient, every day.”

Source link

New Jersey

The Best Romantic Dinner Spot in New Jersey Revealed

Published

21 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Press Room

The Best Romantic Dinner Spot in New Jersey Revealed

New Jersey is a great place to have a romantic dinner, and now a major food website has named one restaurant the Garden State’s most romantic.

The Most Romantic Restaurant In New Jersey

In New Jersey, the only thing we take more seriously than romance is the food we eat, and when you combine the two, you make us very happy.

We love food, and we love love, and one of the most well-known food websites has crowned one of New Jersey’s incredible restaurants the most romantic in the state.

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

Lovefood took on the challenge of naming the most romantic restaurant in every state in America, and if you’ve never been to the one they chose for New Jersey, put it on your bucket list soon.

Where Is New Jersey’s Top Romantic Restaurant?

So, how far will you have to travel to experience romance and dining in a perfect combination?

Read More: New Jersey Restaurant Scene Gains National Attention

The place that earns the top spot for romance in New Jersey is a gorgeous restaurant with one of the best views in America.

Photo by Wedding Dreamz on Unsplash

Chart House in Weehawken overlooks the New York Skyline, and the only thing that rivals the breathtaking view is the amazing food.

New Jersey’s Most Romantic Restaurant

Many New Jersey residents have dined at this elegant restaurant, and the reviews, like the view, are exceptional.

If you have never been to Chart House, get to Weehawken soon. You and the love of your life will be glad you did.

5 Romantic Restaurants In Monmouth County, NJ

Gallery Credit: Lou Russo

Jersey Shore Restaurants That Have Been Around A Long Time

Source link

New Jersey

Behavior of some drivers in New Jersey raises pedestrian safety issues

Published

2 days ago

October 22, 2025

Press Room

Behavior of some drivers in New Jersey raises pedestrian safety issues

You would think or hope this wouldn’t be an issue in New Jersey. But apparently, it is.

Unfortunately, New Jersey drivers feel the need to put themselves first and ahead of everybody else. And yes, that includes pedestrians.

ALSO READ: What young drivers fear is a very New Jersey thing

OK, maybe that’s a little too harsh. Perhaps it’s better if we say some New Jersey drivers. To be fair, I truly do believe the vast majority of us do pay attention on the roads and follow the law.

It’s that small minority that give us the bad name. It’s equivalent to the small few who are loud. Even though there are less of them, we notice them more because they make themselves stand out.

It’s the same with our drivers. Those of us who do the right thing don’t get noticed. It’s those very few that don’t know what they’re doing that really give us that bad reputation.

And when it comes to pedestrian over driver, this couldn’t be any truer for some of us.

Mike Brant TSM

No regard for the law

This particular instance occurred in downtown Toms River, right by the public library.

There’s a crosswalk there with a sign stating that vehicles must stop for pedestrians within the crosswalk. Seems pretty straightforward, especially with a sign right in the middle of the road.

But yet, multiple cars wouldn’t stop for people trying to cross. Now no, the cars weren’t speeding, but they also never bothered to hit their brakes and let the pedestrians cross the road.

I was one of those pedestrians who, despite standing on the side ready to cross, the cars wouldn’t stop. Not one. I had to wait until no cars were coming up the road.

Mike Brant TSM

Not a one-off

Curious, I decided to watch from one of the benches on the other side after I crossed. And you know what? The same thing happened with others trying to cross too. The cars weren’t speeding, but they weren’t stopping to allow pedestrians to cross either.

It’s a shame some New Jersey drivers are oblivious to the fact that they have to stop. Fortunately, this isn’t a regular occurrence at this spot. Still, you sometimes will come across multiple vehicles in a row that have no regard for the law or the safety for others.

10 things New Jerseyans should keep in their car

Gallery Credit: Kyle Clark

Exclusive look at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Fright Fest 2025

A sneak peak at this years Fright Fest, along with an exclusive look inside some of the attractions. Please note that some photos appear blurry due to the lighting and 3D effects of the attraction.

The final day for Fright Fest is Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

Gallery Credit: Mike Brant

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.

Source link