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.
Michael DeRose
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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Lawmakers Relaunch Bill to Transfer Management of PFRS away from State
As reported by northjersey.com, Lawmakers have relaunched an effort to spin off management of the pension fund for police and firefighters from New Jersey’s larger $78 billion pension system, a move that former Gov. Chris Christie blocked last year over concerns that it gave labor unions a “blank check” to enhance their benefits at…
State Correction Officers Win Fight Over Sick Leave Pay as Christie Signs New Bill into Law
As reported by Trentonian.com, following the publicity of numerous corrections officers beaten at work, Gov. Chris Christie has agreed to provide sick leave pay to prison workers assaulted by inmates.
Christie signed a bill into law on Monday that will make corrections, juvenile, parole and probation officers whole — albeit on a limited basis…
Christie Banking that Lottery will Save Pensions
As reported by Philly.com, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is betting that the lottery is the ticket to shoring up one of the state’s most vexing money problems: ever-growing obligations to the pensions for public employees.
The idea of linking the lottery to pensions has been around for years, but legislation backed by the…
Judge Halts Christie’s Atlantic City Police Layoffs
As reported by Philly.com, a Superior Court judge has temporarily blocked the State of New Jersey from unilaterally imposing layoffs and schedule changes on the Atlantic City Police Department.
The ruling is the second time Judge Julio Mendez has checked the vast powers granted the Christie administration under the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act,…
Police Call Layoffs a Union-Busting Tactic
As reported by northjersey.com, members of the Bergen County Bureau of Police Services police union on Monday protested more than two dozen impending layoffs and about a dozen demotions that, the union head said, is an attempt to bust the 75-officer organization.
But Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino, the target of the union’s ire…
Atlantic City Firefighters Won’t Face Layoffs — for now
As reported by Philly.com, a New Jersey judge temporarily blocked the state Friday from laying off firefighters in Atlantic City, but ruled that their work schedules, salaries, and overtime can be changed by former U.S. Sen. Jeffrey S. Chiesa (R., N.J.), who is directing the state takeover of Atlantic City.
The firefighters union had…
NJ Supreme Court Hears Argument Over Government Imposed Salary Freeze
As reported by N.J.com, public employee unions and government officials clashed Monday in a case before the state Supreme Court that could determine whether workers across New Jersey will get pay raises.
The state’s highest court heard oral arguments over the whether “step” increases — increases in pay when workers reach annual milestones…
Sweeney Introduces Bill Seeking to Wrest Control of PFRS Away from State Treasury
As reported by N.J.com, furious after watching pension investment fees triple over the last three years even as their funds lost value, police and firefighter union leaders are seeking to wrest control of their underfunded pensions from the state.
As Gov. Chris Christie is set to deliver his final budget address, state Senate President…