Category Archives: Yovnello

New Jersey locals fend off take-backs

August 13, 2012

State’s demands were ‘onerous’ and ‘unprecedented,’ say negotiators

After 14 months of difficult negotiations with the state, and with state college and university presidents, the Council of New Jersey State College Locals reached a tentative agreement on July 2. The contract, which will cover more than 4,000 full-time faculty, librarians and professional staff at nine institutions, is retroactive to July 1, 2011, and runs through June 30, 2015.

CNJSCL president Nicholas Yovnello told NJ Today, a local newspaper, that the negotiations were the most difficult in his 40 years of bargaining. “We were able to withstand demands that would have decreased our ability to attract and retain skilled faculty, librarians and professional staff.” The agreement provides pay raises comparable to those of other state unions—0 percent for the first two years, 1 percent for the third year and 1.75 percent for the fourth year. It also “gives our members funding for professional development to build skills and contains an agreement that supports sabbaticals for faculty,” he said.

Tragically, Yovnello was killed in a car accident five days after the team reached the agreement.

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Washington Township man charged in double-fatal crash that killed Rowan University union leader

August 02, 2012

Jim Six/South Jersey Media Group

WASHINGTON TWP. — A Turnersville man has been charged with death by auto, assault by auto and driving while intoxicated in connection with a July 7 crash that killed a man and woman.

It was 1 p.m. when Michael Sawyer, 31, crashed into a vehicle, allegedly causing the deaths of Sara Franks, 94, of Harrogate Court, and Nicholas Yovnello, 64, of Monroeville, a long-time fixture at Rowan University in Glassboro, said police.

Nicholas Yovnello

Nicholas Yovnello

The crash occurred at the intersection of Hurffville-Cross Keys and Chapel Heights roads.

Sawyer, who was driving a 2004 Jeep Cherokee, and Leonard Yovnello, 61, of Monroeville, the driver of the vehicle in which Yovnello and Franks were passengers, were treated at area hospitals, police said.

As a result of an investigation into the crash conducted by police, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences South Regional Laboratory, police have charged Sawyer with two counts of death by auto, two counts of assault by auto, DWI, reckless driving, careless driving, speeding, failure to observe a traffic signal and failure to exhibit a driver’s license, said police.

Sawyer was arrested at home without incident and was committed to the Gloucester County Jail in default of $200,000 full-cash bail, police said.

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Video: State Colleges Reach Tentative Labor Contract; Union Rep Says State Workers Not Greedy

July 12, 2012

The union representing faculty and professional staff at nine state colleges and universities has reached a tentative contract after 14 months of working without one. While the agreement, reached last Wednesday, was a relief for the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, the council’s president, Nicholas Yovnello, was killed in a car crash Saturday. Council of New Jersey State College Locals Executive Director Steve Young told NJ Today Managing Editor Mike Schneider that Yovnello’s passing was a tragedy for all involved. He also explained the new contract, calling the agreement “defensive,” and said it maintained the status quo in most areas.

Watch Council of NJ State College Locals Director Talks Contract on PBS. See more from NJToday.

Young said the new deal is “a defensive contract” that didn’t provide the council any gains. “No union has made a gain in a contract with the state right now,” he said. He added that university presidents also offered an unprecedented number of proposals that Young said attacked the contract and some union rights.

“We have an unusual contract because no matter where you teach and no matter what you teach, whatever range and step you’re in, it’s equal,” Young said. “It provides equality for women, men, everything. And what you teach as well.”

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AFT mourns loss of Nick Yovnello, N.J. higher ed leader

July 10, 2012

The AFT is remembering the longtime contributions of Nicholas Yovnello, president of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals, who died in a car accident July 7 in Washington Township, N.J. He was 64.

Yovnello was a member of the AFT Higher Education program and policy council. He led the CNJSCL starting in 1997, and served as president of the Federation of Rowan College Educators from 1993 to 1999. He was also a professor at Rowan University and assistant director of the Campbell Library there.

Less than a week before he died, Yovnello led a CNJSCL negotiating team in bargaining an agreement on a four-year contract covering more than 4,000 full-time faculty, librarians and professional staff at nine state colleges and universities. He told NJ Today that the 14 months of discussions were the most difficult he had experienced in his 40 years of bargaining, but that “we were able to withstand demands that would have decreased our ability to attract and retain skilled faculty, librarians and professional staff.”

Widely respected both within and outside New Jersey’s labor movement, Yovnello was recognized for his ability to build bridges between the diverse communities that affect the future of higher education in New Jersey. He has been described by his friends and adversaries alike as smart, a gentlemen, driven, steadfast, calm—and dedicated to the welfare of the people he served.

“It has been a privilege for the AFT to work with Nick and the Council of New Jersey State College Locals in their efforts to ensure that higher education faculty and staff are treated professionally, to help their students and to strengthen their communities,” says AFT president Randi Weingarten. “This is an immense loss not only for the council, but also for all of AFT New Jersey. Nick’s passion was great, his vision was clear, and his commitment was steadfast. His life’s work stands as a true testament to his dedication as an educator and a union member.”

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Obituary: Nicholas Yovnello

July 10, 2012

AGE: 64 • Monroeville

Nicholas Yovnello, Rowan University professor and President of the Council of NJ State College Locals, passed tragically on July 7, 2012.

Nick was beloved brother to Leonard (Maureen), Anthony (Linda), and Christine (Martin) and loving son of the late Dolores.

Nick graduated from Glassboro State College (now Rowan) in 1969 with a BA in Secondary Education and History, ultimately earning degrees in Library Science, Information Science and Labor History. After graduation he was hired by Glassboro State College where he taught courses, earned full professorship in the library, and became Assistant Director of Library Services in 1983. He was an active union leader and a delegate to the Council of NJ State College Locals – American Federation of Teachers. He served as the President of Rowan AFT Local 2373 for several terms before being elected President of the Council of NJ State College Locals – AFT. In his role as a statewide union leader, Nick was widely respected both within and outside the union for understanding and working through complex difficult issues, for his compassion for his members and colleagues, and for negotiating fair contracts even in difficult times. As a resident of Monroeville, Nick was a member of the Elk Township governing body and Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board, always managing to do the “right thing” for the township.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a viewing at the Danks-Hinski Funeral Home, 125 N White Horse Pike, Lindenwold, NJ 08021, Friday, July 13, from 9:00 AM to noon. A service will follow at noon. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, 2396 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ. Contributions may be made to Rowan University Foundation-Nicholas Yovnello Scholarship Fund, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028. Condolences may be offered at www.dankshinskifuneralhome.com

Published in Courier-Post
and Gloucester County Times

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Rowan University fixture Nicholas Yovnello and 84-year-old woman die in Washington Township crash

July 10, 2012

Joe Green/Gloucester County Times By Joe Green/Gloucester County Times 

nick yovnello
Nicholas Yovnello

WASHINGTON TWP. — A weekend collision here involving two vehicles claimed two lives, including a longtime fixture at Rowan University, police said Monday night.

Nicholas Yovnello, 64, of Hickory Court, Monroeville, and Sara Franks, 84, of Harrogate Court in the township died from injuries suffered in the 1 p.m. Saturday crash at the intersection of Hurffville-Cross Keys and Chapel Heights roads, police said.

Yovnello, president of the New Jersey Council for State College Locals for 15 years, was pronounced dead at the scene. Franks died in Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Police withheld their identifications until Monday evening “while appropriate notifications were being made to family members.”

The victims were passengers in a 2012 GMC Terrain operated by Leonard Yovnello, 61, of Monroeville. The GMC collided with a 2004 Jeep Cherokee operated by Michael Sawyer, 31, of Washington Avenue in the township. Police said the two drivers were injured but did not disclose where they were treated.

A police statement did not elaborate on the circumstances of the accident. Witnesses are asked to contact Officer Nicholas Schmidt at 856-589-6694.

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Funeral Arrangements for Nick Yovnello

July 10, 2012

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a viewing at the Danks-Hinski Funeral Home ( www.dankshinskifuneralhome.com), 125 N White Horse Pike, Lindenwold, NJ 08021, Friday, July 13, from 9:00 AM to noon.  A service will follow at noon. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, 2396 Marlton Pike W, Cherry Hill, NJ.

Contributions may be made to Rowan University Foundation-Nicholas Yovnello Scholarship Fund, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028.

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In Memorium – Council mourns the death of President Nicholas “Nick” Yovnello

July 10, 2012

The Council suffered a great loss this past weekend when President Nick Yovnello succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident in Washington Township, NJ on Saturday, July 7, 2012. The entire Council/AFT NJ State Federation and higher education community is in deep shock over the tragic loss of its long-time leader.

Nick was born and raised in Camden, NJ.  He graduated from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) in 1969 with a B.A. in Secondary Education and History and went on to earn graduate degrees in Library Science, Information Science and Labor History.  At the time of his death, he was Assistant Director/Professor in the Campbell Library at Rowan.

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Sweeney Statement on the passing of Nicholas Yovnello

July 09, 2012

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney issued the following statement today on the passing of Nicholas Yovnello, president of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals:

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of Nick’s passing. He was a dedicated labor leader who worked for the best interests of those he represented and fought passionately for higher education in New Jersey. Nick was a true gentlemen and a friend. Even when we disagreed, it was always on friendly and amicable terms.

“New Jersey has lost a true great one. He will be sorely missed. My condolences go out to his friends and family.”

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The New Jersey State AFL-CIO Mourns the Passing of Nick Yovnello

July 09, 2012

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the tragic loss of Brother Nick Yovnello, who passed away in a car accident Saturday afternoon. Nick served as that President of the Council of New Jersey State College Locals and was a dedicated union leader for over 40 years.

Nick will be remembered for his skill as a negotiator, kindness, unwavering commitment to the labor movement, and most of all as our union brother. It was Nick’s leadership that resulted in the organizing and winning of union benefits and protections for the adjunct faculty at New Jersey’s state colleges and universities.

While this comes as a shock to us all, we can take solace in the fact that Nick made a positive difference in the lives of many, and leaves a legacy of strength and wisdom to guide his union into the future. Nick was a fine man, a gentleman, dedicated trade unionist, and he will be missed.

Please be sure to keep Nick’s family in your thoughts and prayers and hope for the quick and full recovery of those injured in the accident.

In Unity,

Charles Wowkanech, President
Laurel Brennan, Secretary-Treasurer

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