Rev. Jesse Jackson stands on the steps at the War Memorial June 1 in Trenton, N.J., as he addresses union members. The protest took place across the street from the NJ Statehouse, where Gov. Chris Christie is negotiating with state workers. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A war of words has erupted in New Jersey over a proposal to require public workers to pay more for health benefits, with the largest public worker union denouncing the plan as dishonest and the Legislature’s top Democrat dismissing the unions’ position as selfish.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney, the Democrat driving the proposal to raise health and pension benefits contributions for state, county and local workers through legislation, agreed Monday to support a provision to allow the changes to expire after four years. But that seemed to do little to win over reluctant Democrats in the Legislature or change the unions’ staunch opposition to what they see as an infringement on collective bargaining.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Dig Deeper

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.