As reported by nj.com, more than 20,000 police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public employees put in their retirement papers last year as momentum was building for sweeping health and pension reform in Trenton, state figures show. That is a 60 percent jump from 2009 retirements and the highest in at least a decade,
NJ Police and Fire
Democratic Leaders Propose Cap on Police and Fire Raises
By Donald Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
As reported on November 23, 2010, New Jersey’s Democratic leaders announced they are offering compromise legislation to Republican Governor Chris Christie that would allow pay hikes for police and firefighters achieved through arbitration to exceed two (2) percent for a year, as long as they remain within two (2) percent over the period of …
Judge Powerless to Prevent Newark Police, Fire Department Layoffs
By Donald Barbati on
Posted in Public Employment Labor Law
As reported in the Star Ledger on November 10, 2010, hundreds of Newark city police officers, firefighters, and civilian employees, barring a last-minute reprieve, will be laid off on Friday, November 12, 2010 after a judge dismissed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the city’s cost-cutting measures.
Superior Court Judge Patricia Costello told lawyers for …
Lawmakers Fail to Reach Agreement Regarding Police and Fire Raises
By Donald Barbati on
Posted in Pay and Overtime
As reported in the Trentonian on October 19, 2010, New Jersey lawmakers failed to reach an agreement with the Governor’s office over how to ensure that police and firefighters’ raises are based on economic conditions in the towns where they work without trampling on their right to negotiate contracts.
Governor Chris Christie has been …
Senate Committee Debates Salary Cap for NJ Police and Fire
By Donald Barbati on
Posted in Interest Arbitration
As reported in the Trentonian on October 15, 2010, a battle is brewing at the Statehouse over whether to cap salary increases for public employees who cannot strike. Various mayors want arbitration-awarded salary and benefits increases for police and firefighters capped at 2 percent to help them control property taxes, but union officials say …