NJ Police Union to file lawsuit seeking halt to furloughs

    By: Tom MacDonald

    The union representing New Jersey police officers is expected to file a lawsuit today to stop furloughs ordered by Governor Jon Corzine in a budget-cutting move.

    By: Tom MacDonald
    tmacdonald@whyy.org

    The union representing New Jersey police officers is expected to file a lawsuit today to stop furloughs ordered by Governor Jon Corzine in a budget-cutting move.

    Transcript:
    Governor Jon Corzine wants all state employees to take two unpaid days off this spring to save the state 35 million dollars. And he wants to furlough state workers one day each month starting in July.

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    Keith Dunn of the New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association says the furloughs amount to a pay cut and a violation of their contracts.

    Dunn: “Normally 30 days notice is given this is something we weren’t notified until the night before. obviously it was too late, let us sit down, there is a financial hardship out there for many people but we want to sit down and be part of the process.”

    Dunn says any furloughs would need to be negotiated as part of the collective bargaining agreements. Other unions, including the largest state employee union, are expected to join the legal challenge.

    Listen:
    Click on the play button below or right click on this link and choose “Save Link As” to download. [audio: reports20090330furlough.mp3]

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