As reported by nj.com, fierce opposition could not stop the Senate from passing a contentious measure Monday that will sharply raise the cost of health benefits and pensions for the state’s 500,000 public employees. With protesters dressed in Revolutionary-era garb gathered outside the Statehouse and union members clamoring inside, the pivotal Senate vote
Christie
Benefits Bill Brings More Protests, Debate to NJ
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by app.com, more union protests are planned at the New Jersey Statehouse for Monday as the debate over public employee benefits rages on. A bill requiring sharply higher pension and health care contributions from 500,000 public employees will be voted on in the Senate on Monday, the same day the contentious bill …
NJ Senate Committee Approves Health, Pension Benefit Reform Despite Union Protests
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, irate public employees converged on the Statehouse by the thousands Thursday touting horns, carrying signs, and disrupting a Senate hearing, but the show of force failed to break a legislative agreement overhauling their state health and pension benefits. Union members gathered at the Statehouse steps and clogged a Senate hearing …
Some Democrats Tell Protesters They Will Not Vote For Public Worker Pension, Benefit Overhaul
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, rank-and-file Democrats are lining up to take the microphone at a steadily growing union rally outside the Statehouse today, vowing to cast no votes on a bill that would overhaul pension and benefits for teachers, cops, firefighters, and others.
Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo, Daniel Benson, Patrick Diegnan, Reed Gusciora, Vincent …
Overhaul To Pension System Pushed Forward By Sweeney
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, despite a rising chorus of opposition from fellow Democrats, the Senate President and Assembly Speaker pressed forward Tuesday to overhaul health and pension benefits for the state’s 500,000 public employees. After trying for a week to line up Democratic support for the measure with little success, Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver…
As State Democrats Prepare To Introduce Healthcare Reform, Christie’s Stance Remains Unclear
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, the state’s top lawmakers said Monday they cleared a significant hurdle in efforts to overhaul public employee benefits after agreeing to a plan that shifts more medical costs onto workers while protecting future collective bargaining rights.
The spotlight now turns to Governor Chris Christie, who has been uncharacteristically …
NJ Assembly Holds UP Pension, Health Benefits Overhaul Brokered By Christie, Sweeney
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, Governor Chris Christie and Senate President Stephen Sweeney were poised to announce an agreement on a plan to overhaul health and pension benefits for public employees, but were stymied after the compromise received a chilly reception in the Assembly. “We are not there yet,” said Speaker Sheila Oliver, who …
Deal to Change NJ Public Workers’ Pensions, Benefits Is Struck by Christie, Sweeney
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, public workers would pay more for their pension and health benefits under a deal struck between Governor Chris Christie and Senate President Stephen Sweeney. Under the deal, most public workers would immediately pay an additional 1 percent of their salaries for their pensions, while police and firefighters would pay …
Christie Seeks to Change Health Benefits of Workers Through Collective Bargaining
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Uncategorized
As reported by nj.com, after asserting for months that state employee health benefits will be overhauled through legislation, Governor Chris Christie’s office is now seeking the changes through collective bargaining with the state’s largest employee union.
“He’s out of his cage!” read a memo to Communications Workers of America members obtained by …
CWA Files Unfair Practice Charge Against Christie
By Donald C. Barbati on
Posted in Contract Negotiations
As reported by app.com, New Jersey’s largest state worker union filed an unfair practice charge against Governor Chris Christie’s administration, saying the administration has so far refused to negotiate health care costs.
The Communication Workers of America filed the charge with the state Public Employment Relations Commission (“PERC”) on May 12, 2011. Union …