The Jersey City State Federation of College Teachers (Union), Local 1839 of the American Federation of Teachers, was founded in 1967 by faculty members who believed that, with the advent of Public Law 303 which provides for collective bargaining for public employees in New Jersey, only an organization with the expertise, experience, and resources of the AFT could effectively deal with the State government.
In December 1972, a second state-wide representation election resulted in the Council of New Jersey State College Locals becoming the legal bargaining agent for all faculty and staff who are recognized as members of the State College bargaining unit. As the legal representative of the faculty on campus, Local 1839 participates in the collective bargaining with the State for changes in terms and conditions of employment, advises faculty of their rights and represents them formally or informally when requested, files grievances on violations of the contract, and represents the interests of the bargaining unit members in an advisory capacity at several levels of college/university governance.
Source: President Dr. Barbara J. Pettit (1973-1974), Local 1839.