TRENTON — A state judge refused today to block reductions in pension and health care benefits for police and firefighters. The unions argued that the changes improperly infringe upon the collective bargaining process. They also said the requirement to contribute 1.5 percent of their salary to health care constitutes a tax on public employees. But Superior Court Judge Linda...
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Gov. Chris Christie signs a series of state pension reform bills into law in March at his statehouse office immediately after they were approved by the state Assembly and Senate.
TRENTON — A state judge refused today to block reductions in pension and health care benefits for police and firefighters.
The unions argued that the changes improperly infringe upon the collective bargaining process. They also said the requirement to contribute 1.5 percent of their salary to health care constitutes a tax on public employees.
But Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg rejected the unions' arguments.
"I don't think it's a tax," she said. "It's a medical contribution."
Although their motion to block the changes failed, union lawyers said they will continue to push their lawsuit in an effort to prove the legislation is unconstitutional.
"This is just a skirmish in the battle," said attorney Paul Kleinbaum, who represented the police union.
Previous coverage:
• Judge will rule on N.J. public employees paying 1.5 percent toward benefits
• N.J. files response to lawsuit challenging public worker pension, benefit changes
• Police, firefighter unions make court plea against N.J. pension, health benefits
• N.J. files response to lawsuit challenging public worker pension, benefit changes
• Complete coverage of the 2010 New Jersey State Budget
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