The fight is on to get day off

State workers in New Jersey object to governor’s refusal to let them take the day after Thanksgiving as a paid holiday.

The largest union representing New Jersey state employees is challenging Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to make them work on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Bob Master, the legislative director of the Communications Workers of America, said not being allowed to take that day off violates a memorandum of agreement the union reached with Governor Jon Corzine last year.

“We agreed to give up Lincoln’s Birthday as a paid holiday and instead take the day after Thanksgiving,” said Master. It’s “really something that is good for the whole state because our members, to the extent that they can afford it, are going to the mall and shopping and helping to stimulate the economy.”

The Governor’s Office of Employee Relations said legislation is needed to make the holiday swap because Lincoln’s Birthday is still an official state holiday and workers could end up getting both days off.

The union says it hopes the Public Employee Relations Commission will reverse the administration’s decision. If not, the union is prepared to argue its case in court.