Union Rallies Locals to Get Out and Vote [VIDEO]

As John Lennon’s “Power to the People” blasted through Bicentennial Park in Forked River, more than 30 public employees demonstrated,

“We’re reminding everybody to get out to vote,” said resident Ellen Vidal, President of Communications Workers of America Local 1088.

The rally was meant to promote all workers rights, not just unions, Vidal said. All citizens should use their right to vote.

“It’s drawing attention. If people don’t like it, that’s their right too,” Vidal said. “People have to get involved. I don’t care if it’s positive or negative. Just get involved.”

Vidal protested against corporate greed stating that both the public and private sectors are negotiating benefits and health rates that are being changed and negated on all.

“What we must do is focus on getting this country back to work; getting people back to work, not bailing out those that only help themselves,” she said. “Those corporate bailouts and tax incentives don’t come close to trickling down or putting people back to work.”

In April, CWA held a . Gov. Chris Christie implemented regulations for municipalities but did not provide them with any tools, Vidal said. In 2010, township employees were furloughed to keep Lacey within the two percent cap, decreasing their salaries by 20 percent.

“Legal decisions have been rendered in favor of the workers yet politicians turn their backs on those decisions as if they are above the law,” Vidal said.

against the township’s 2010 furlough plan and won. The ruling requires the township to compensate the Department of Public Works employees a total of $135,000.

The township is also facing another grievance filed by the CWA Local 1088, which represents 25 township workers. A decision is expected in January.

“The unscrupulous are putting the spin that it is the public workers and unions that are bringing down this country,” Vidal said. “We all pay taxes, pay health insurance and for pensions contrary to popular belief.”

Citizens must take advantage of their right to vote as people throughout the world are fighting to have their voices heard, she said.

“We need to get our politicians back to the business at hand. We are a democracy,” Vidal said. “We are the people who send the politicians to Trenton and Washington. If they cannot get the jobs done then they do not belong there.”

Vince Pesce of Toms River is a Human Service Specialist Two and Executive Vice President of CWA. “We’re here for workers rights,” he said. “We’re just trying to get fair contracts. All we’re trying to do is keep a living wage.”

First-time Lacey candidate Democrat Gary Vaccaro was also at the rally. There is one open seat for Township Committee and Vaccaro is up against Republican incumbent David Most.

The general election can lead to a party power shift on the committee if Vaccaro is voted in. Currently three Republicans and two Democrats sit on the committee.

“I’m just here to listen to the concerns of the locals of Lacey,” he said. “I think it’s important to work as a community and if I get elected, I want to make sure I make decisions on behalf of all the citizens.”

Polls will open Tuesday, Nov. 8 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information on voting in Lacey, click here.