N.J. toll takers file suit over plan to privatize

A union representing highway toll collectors is suing the New Jersey Turnpike Authority over attempts to privatize their jobs. They want a vote on the plan to be delayed, reports nj.com.

In a federal lawsuit, workers claim the Turnpike authority violated their First Amendment rights when it removed a provision giving workers a right of first refusal to privatized jobs.

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers say the provision was eliminated in retaliation for the union protesting privatization.

Under Gov. Chris Christie’s plan to privatize toll collections on the turnpike and Garden State Parkway, about 800 jobs would be cut.