Changes in N.J. Turnpike operations expected to save millions

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has made significant cost-saving reforms in response to recommendations in a state audit.

State Comptroller Matt Boxer says he’s pleased Turnpike Authority officials have made a series of improvements in the operation that will save millions of dollars a year.

“They have eliminated improper bonuses and sick-leave payouts for their management and many of their workers,” Boxer said. “These were things like they were paying people bonuses for working on their birthdays. They were letting people cash in sick time that they weren’t using.”

Changes were also made to lower the costs of health-care coverage.

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Boxer says the authority is in the process of negotiating new collective bargaining agreements to end the problematic perks for all of its workers.

Boxer, who says there’s still more to be done, is recommending a cap on the employees’ total compensation to prevent the improper practices from happening again.

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