Category: Public Employment Law

Federal Court Rejects Post-Janus Lawsuits Over Union Dues

A federal district court has dismissed a suit by several non-union New Jersey teachers seeking to recoup their union dues in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31. The court also rejected arguments that teachers are

First responders

New Jersey Amends Workers Compensation Laws for First Responders

Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed two bills into law that amend provisions of the state’s workers’ compensation law to benefit first responders, including those who became ill after volunteering at the World Trade Center site in the days after 9/11.   “Any first responder whose career has been cut short because of

NJ Municipalities Covered under New Minimum Wage Law

Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed minimum wage legislation into law. One of the biggest changes took effect immediately – New Jersey municipalities, counties and schools are now covered under New Jersey’s minimum wage law.  Minimum Wage Law Includes Government Entities Previously, the state government and local government entities were exempt

NJ Teachers’ Lawsuit Challenges Workplace Democracy Enhancement Act Under Janus

Two New Jersey teachers have filed a lawsuit challenging the Workplace Democracy Enhancement Act. The complaint against Gov. Phil Murphy, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), and Township of Ocean Education Association alleges that the law violates the teachers’ First Amendment rights in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus

SCOTUS to Decide Whether Age Discrimination Law Applies to Small Public Employers

One of the first cases considered by the U.S. Supreme Court this term is of particular interest to New Jersey public employers. The issue before the Court is whether the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) exempts political subdivisions of a state with less than 20 employees from the Act’s protections.  The

Proposed Bill Codifies NJ’s Leave Donation Policy

New Jersey’s leave donation policy could soon become state law. The state Senate recently approved legislation that would allow state employees to donate their unused sick or vacation leave time to co-workers who may need it.  “This bill codifies a process that allows state employees to help one another by

SCOTUS Rules Agency Shop Fees Are Unconstitutional

The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a crushing blow to the country’s public unions in Janus v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31. By a vote of 5-4, the Court held that public-sector “agency shop” arrangements run afoul of the First Amendment. The Court also expressly overruled

Gov. Murphy Conditionally Vetoes PFRS Reform Legislation

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has conditionally vetoed legislation that would transfer the management of the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) to a Board of Trustees. In his veto message, Gov. Murphy proposed several significant changes to Senate Bill No. 5, which are summarized below.  Proposed PFRS Reform As discussed in