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Harold Schaitberger, President of the Professional Firefighters of New Jersey, referring to the State’s failure to contribute a penny to the state pensions over 7 years, roused the crowd by declaring “They want you to sacrifice for their failure to make pension contributions for the last years running and this is plain unacceptable!” Governor Corzine appeared to get the message even before the rally occurred. On Friday, December 8, he informed the Democratic legislative leadership that he would not support any bills that would affect the benefits of any public employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
For now, it appears that public employee unions have fended off legislation that would erode pension or health benefits. However the State may very well seek to achieve the same ends at the bargaining table, as negotiations begin to replace the agreements set to expire on June 30, 2007. Recalling the admonition “Be careful of what you wish for” we must be prepared for a tough season of bargaining ahead.
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