Jersey City contract brings raises, but at a cost

Tuesday, September 02, 2008
EARL MORGAN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

There is bad news and good news for employees of Jersey City's Office of Employment and Training.

The agency's union members have a new two-year contract that includes a 7.4 percent wage hike, officials announced last week. Employees covered by this agreement won't have to contribute to their health insurance premiums and will see a reduction in their co-pays from $20 to $15.

But, in the wake of a $500,000 cut in its federal funding, the agency has been forced to lay off six staffers effective Sept. 30, OETC Executive Director Keith Davis said. Ken McNamara, president of Communications Workers Local 1037, said the door is still open on dealing with the layoffs. "We are glad we have a contract but the layoffs are still an open issue," McNamara said.

Labor negotiations were concluded following a protest last week staged by the 23 workers covered by the contract.

Pay increases and health insurance coverage were the sticking points during negotiations.