As reported by nj.com, a new analysis says the State’s employees pay more than the national average for state government workers toward their health insurance costs. The analysis by NJ Spotlight notes that the cost of New Jersey’s public employee health insurance coverage remains the third-highest in the United States. But it also shows the
Donald C. Barbati
Qualifying For Accidental Disability Retirement Benefits: The Facts Matter
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
Unfortunately, during the course of a law enforcement officer’s career, "on and off the many officers become job" and "off the job" injuries and illnesses occurred and, which ultimately lead to, disabled both on and off the job one’s inability to continue to work as a law enforcement officer. If such an officer is unable…
The Current State of the Interest Arbitration Process: A Fractured System
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
In accordance with a report issued by NJ.Com, more than 40 towns and counties filed petitions to compel compulsory interest arbitration in anticipation of the expiration of what is commonly referred to as the “2% cap” law. Today, April 1, 2014, a state law in effect since 2011 that caps interest arbitration awards at 2…
Legislature To Vote On Extension Of Arbitration Cap for Police, Fire
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
As reported by northjersey.com, top Democratic lawmakers are rushing to extend the cap on police and firefighter pay raises that some say has helped keep property tax bills in check. But local officials say the bill expected to be voted on today in both the Assembly and State Senate includes too many loopholes to be…
Renewal Of Two Percent Salary Cap Bills Move Through Senate And Assembly
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
As reported in the Newark Star Ledger, the New Jersey State Legislature is in the process of acting to renew the 2% Interest Arbitration Police and Fire Salary Cap. The State Assembly’s budget committee voted to approve bill (A3067), sponsored by Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson), that would temporarily extend an annual salary…
OLS: Christie Cannot Invoke “State of Emergency” To Cut Pensions
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by njspotlight.com, despite his threat to take “extreme measures” to control rising pension costs, Governor Chris Christie does not have the power to declare a fiscal “state of emergency” to make unilateral changes to the pension system, nor does New Jersey have the ability, like Detroit, to declare bankruptcy to get out from…
Union Showdown: Amato Rips DiVincenzo On Incremental Salary Issue
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by politickernj.com, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo apparently doesn’t have to worry about a Democratic Primary opponent, but that doesn’t mean PBA Local 382 won’t refrain from criticizing the controversial Democrat in the strongest possible terms.
PBA Local 382 President Joe Amato is angry at DiVincenzo for praising corrections officers who work at…
Wieners Criticizes Christie On Pension Reform
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported on nj.com, the head of the State’s largest police union, The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, publicly criticized Governor Chris Christie in a press release over $50 million in what he called “pension giveaways” to local municipalities.
The giveaways, State Policemen’s Benevolent Association head Anthony Wieners said were gained on the backs…
NJ Law That Limits Local Police, Firefighter Raises In Contract Disputes Set To Expire
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
As reported by NorthJersey.com, the state law that for the last three years has capped the raises that local police officers and firefighters can get if they take contract disputes to interest arbitration will soon expire, and lawmakers have yet to propose a bill to extend what local officials say has been a key tool…
NJ State Police To Accept Applications For New Recruits
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the New Jersey State Police are hiring. The Division announced that applications for the 156th Class will be accepted from April 21 to May 5. At a minimum, candidates must be 21 years old and not reach their 35th birthday prior to their graduation from the training academy.
Applicants must also…