CWA 1037 reached an agreement with The Leaguers this week that maintained the same level of benefits coverage without passing on increases in costs to workers. In August, Leaguers management had announced a 6.5% increase in health insurance premiums and planned to pass 100% of the cost onto the backs of workers, foregoing any additional employer contributions.

These healthcare hikes would have harmed workers who are already struggling with the new health insurance changes. It would have added to the destabilization of childcare available to working-class communities and communities of color. Organizers mobilized quickly, reaching out to stewards and members at various worksites to take action and push against the proposal.

CWA 1037 in partnership with NJ Communities United and the Workers in Early Childhood Education Action Network held a direct-action training meeting, distributed flyers, and circulated a petition that opposed increases in health care costs. The organizing proved successful as the meeting had record attendance and petitions were signed by a vast majority of the workers. Leaguers were prepared to deliver the petitions to management, but their voices were heard in time! On Wednesday, October 21, Leaguers management agreed to pay the full cost of the increase. This agreement also resolved a previous grievance on healthcare. This is a win for childcare workers.