As reported by NJ.com, the State’s largest state workers union and three others have joined the lawsuit filed by our office against the Christie administration over its decision to freeze wages for state employees.    Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson granted motions from the New Jersey Communications Workers of America, New Jersey Superior Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Local 174, and the State Law Enforcement Unit to intervene in the suit, bringing the number of state employees involved to approximately 42,000.

The Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 105 (P.B.A. #105″) and the New Jersey Law Enforcement Supervisors Association (“NJLESA”) filed suit against the State last month for suspending step increases, raises on pay when workers reach annual milestones in years of service, after their contracts expired June 30, 2015.  In the past when previous contracts have expired without a new one in place, workers have continued to receive their step increases, though the State has commonly frozen uniform allowances and vision benefits.

But just before contracts for tens of thousands of state employees were set to expire in June, the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations notified labor unions it would suspend step increases.  The sides are locked in a bitter battle over pensions, and labor leaders have said they’re not in a hurry to negotiate with the State.

In their complaint, P.B.A. #105 and the NJLESA argue the Office of Employee Relations doesn’t have the authority to discontinue the periodic pay increases.  Instead, they contend that only the Civil Service Commission can make changes to compensation.

Please continue to check this blog periodically to ascertain updates regarding this lawsuit as the same has enormous implications for all State employees.  As such, Crivelli & Barbati, L.L.C. is proud to be leading the charge in addressing such an important issue.