On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Anna-Marta Visky, Senior Campaign Lead for District 1 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the podcast to discuss the pressing issue of healthcare affordability for public employees in New Jersey.
Visky started by highlighting the CWA’s record turnout among volunteers during the most recent election cycle, underscoring how affordability—especially concerning healthcare—served as the driving motivation for member engagement. She explained that over 3,600 campaign shifts were completed by Locals across the state, unified by a clear message: the need for affordable healthcare and the protection of workers’ benefits. Visky said the activism was rooted in concerns about the impact of rising costs on workers’ livelihoods and a determination to influence the political landscape in favor of public employees.
Next, Visky discussed the day-to-day struggles faced by New Jersey’s public workers. She described how salaries have failed to keep pace with the skyrocketing cost of living and healthcare premiums, leaving many unable to live in the communities they serve. The CWA’s advocacy has included educating lawmakers and amplifying stories from members who are hit hardest by these rising expenses, with some paying more than 10 percent of their salary for healthcare. Through persistent grassroots lobbying, organizing rallies and sharing member experiences, Visky said the union has pushed healthcare affordability to the top of the legislative agenda, gaining significant traction among state legislators.
Finally, Visky discussed some potential legislative solutions, specifically New Jersey Assembly Bill 5903, named the Public Sector Healthcare Affordability and Responsible Governance Act. She detailed how this measure would implement vital cost controls by tying healthcare contributions to employee salary instead of premiums and establishing greater transparency in benefit governance. The union’s work has extended to blocking unfavorable proposals from the outgoing governor and promoting partnerships with the incoming administration. Central to CWA’s mission is the fight against entrenched special interests, such as insurance companies, to ensure that reforms benefit workers first and safeguard the financial stability of public healthcare plans for years to come, she said.
For more from Visky, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.