Despite the constant influx of novel legal issues caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the New Jersey Appellate Division is still busy at work rendering decisions on all aspects of the law, including those related to labor and employment. Case in point: M.R. v. Board. of Trustees (PERS), No. A-6015-17T4, 2020 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS
Michael DeRose
Cooper Hospital to Open Testing Sites for Law Enforcement and First Responders
As reported by Patch.com, Cooper University Health Care will open two COVID-19 testing sites solely for Camden law enforcement, first responders at all levels of government and medical personnel on Tuesday.
“Our friends in the law enforcement and first responder communities play a vital role in protecting society. For many of these dedicated individuals,…
Navigating the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides paid leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and paid sick leave for absences resulting from COVID-19. Here are some important points regarding the impact of the law as well as its application:
- The law took effect on
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Gov. Murphy Permits Child Care Centers to Remain Operational if Exclusively Serving Children of Essential Workers
On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 110 (EO-110), directing all child care centers in New Jersey to certify by Friday, March 27, that they will solely serve as emergency child care centers for the children of essential workers. Child care centers that do not certify that they can and…
Coronavirus Spread Poses Unprecedented Challenges for Law Enforcement Agencies Across the Country

This recent article from ABC News vividly depicts the impact the pandemic has had on members of law enforcement throughout the…
Appellate Division Orders Civil Service to Consider New Evidence in NJDOC Sergeant’s Removal Appeal
On July 30, 2019, the New Jersey Appellate Division issued a formal opinion in Docket No.: A-3194-17T1 reversing an earlier decision by the the Civil Service Commission (CSC) refusing to reopen the appeal of a Corrections Sergeant (Appellant) of his removal from employment with the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC). The Appellant was previously…
Murphy Signs Law Amending Disability Pension Statute Affording More Opportunity for 9/11 First Responders
As reported by NJ.com, New Jersey first responders who volunteered at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11 attacks are now eligible for an accidental disability pension under a bill signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday. It was one of two 9/11-related measures Murphy signed during a ceremony attended by more than…
The Effect of Resignation on your Application for Disability Retirement
A recent opinion rendered by the Appellate Division has important implications for all law enforcement officers, and all public employees for that matter, who are considering applying for disability retirement while simultaneously fighting disciplinary charges. The case, Cardinale v. Board of Trustees, Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, A-1997-17T1, involved a police officer who was…
Proposed Bill Intended to Help Union Officials Gain Easier Access to Public Workers in NJ
As reported by whyy.org, a bill advancing in the New Jersey Legislature would ensure that union representatives have greater access to the public employees they represent. Dubbed the Workplace Democracy Enhancement Act, the measure would allow unions to meet with employees during lunch and other breaks to talk about their issues and grievances. …
Data Shows that NJ’s Most Violent Cities Have Lost The Most Police Officers Since 2010
As reported by NJ.com, retaining police officers has been a challenge for many New Jersey municipal police departments. Shortfalls in city and municipal budgets can, and have lead to layoffs and demotions. When Senior police officers retire their positions never get refilled and the data shows that this occurs more often than not in
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