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An open letter from N.J. PBA president: ‘Time is running out!’

TONY WIENERS: Both media reports and our numerous meetings in Trenton with legislative leadership and the Front Office indicate that talks are growing more aggressive to finalize some form of pension and/or health benefit change bill before the end of June.

Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot
Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot
Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot
Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot
Photo Credit: Cliffview Pilot

As you are aware, the proposals include mandating up to 30% premium contributions for all employees, including future retirees with less than 25 years of service.

There also are competing pension reform bills that eliminate COLA, require members to work more years for less benefits and to dramatically cut disability pensions.

While the State PBA is engaged with all sides to provide alternatives to protect PFRS and the collective bargaining process, it is the Legislature that will decide whether to incorporate our suggestions or pass laws that weakens collective bargaining and our pensions, which we have paid our fair share to earn.

I am therefore urging all of our members to call their legislators, the Governor, Speaker and Senate President ASAP and ask them not to cut PFRS benefits and to work with the State PBA on their offer of millions of dollars in real reforms that don’t hurt PFRS members.

In addition, tell them that health benefits is a matter for local collective bargaining and not for the Legislature to mandate.

If you have called your legislator already, then please do so again.

If you haven’t picked up the phone or sent an e-mail, then time is running out!


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