State union workers don arm bands to protest New Jersey benefits changes

Unionized state workers in New Jersey are wearing their thoughts on their sleeves, now that they’re donning arm bands to protest proposed health benefits changes.

The Associated Press reports the Communications Workers of America Local 1033 members are wearing red arm bands to protest Gov. Chris Christie’s plan.

 

Christie wants to use legislation to require state union workers to pay 30 percent of their health benefits costs by July 2014, but union officials for CWA, the largest state employees union, say such negotiations should be done through collective bargaining.

Christie’s office hasn’t commented on the arm bands.