Bob Russo | American Federation of Teachers New Jersey, AFL-CIO

Tag Archives: Bob Russo

Vigil of Concern: “People are Hurting”

October 11, 2011

A small but determined group of local citizens gathered Monday night in Little Falls to support the “Occupy Wall Street” protest movement.

“In New York [people] took to the streets — and they’re taking to the streets here in Little Falls – because they feel frustrated,” said Bob Russo, the former Mayor of Montclair. “The government is not responding. It’s a gridlock. The Republicans in Congress are blocking anything the president tries to do to create jobs.”

Russo and the other protestors felt that a large part of the country’s economic woes could be attributed to the bank bailouts.

“We helped these banks when they needed it and now they turned against us,” said Russo. “How can Bank of America charge us $5.00 a transaction when we helped them stay alive?”

More>>

Two teachers’ groups endorse Gill for 5th District Essex County Freeholder

September 11, 2011

Bob Russo, president of the Montclair State University American Federation of Teachers Adjunct Faculty Local 6025, also some kinds words for Gill.

“As a former mayor of Montclair, I know that the entire town equates the Gill family name with dedicated public educators and those who support them.,” Russo stated. “Brendan is the son of one of the most respected teachers in the county. I’ve known Brendan a long time as a staunch advocate of providing quality public education to all people of Essex County. Brendan believes in the people who enter our classrooms and cultivate our students’ abilities and promise. That is why the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey believes in Brendan Gill.”

More>>

Solidarity with CWA and IBEW

August 26, 2011

Montclair Adjunct Local President Bob Russo with wife Christine, a CWA 1020 member

Even though CWA workers are no longer picketing Verizon, that doesn’t mean the fight is over. Unionized Verizon workers are leafleting (but not picketing) Verizon Wireless stores to let prospective customers know they are supporting a corporation that does not support middle class workers. Please download this flier and join leafletting outside Verizon Wireless Stores.

Save Our Schools Rally Calls for End to Teacher Bashing

July 31, 2011

Thousands of parents, students, teachers and education advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., on July 30 to stand up for public education and send the message that the nation’s public schools are the cornerstone of our democracy. Speaker after speaker at the “Save Our Schools” march and rally called for less teacher bashing, less emphasis on standardized tests and more support for education reforms that work, such as smaller class sizes and improved teacher preparation.

AFTNJ Treasurer and Newark Teachers Union member Joe Amabile braved the heat to lead the federation’s delegation. Amabile came back with photos, links to videos and a renewed vigor for organizing to build teacher and public awareness of what really works. See Amabile’s photos with videos of leading education theorists Diane Ravitch and Jonathon Kozol, educators and even Matt Damon at http://aftnj.org/photos/073011dc/ .