By: Deanna Melkowsky
Do New Jersey cops and firemen deserve pay raises? And if so, how much.
Welcome to the controversy.
The union that represents West Windsor’s police officers told an arbitrator that their members want a 4% annual raise for sergeants and patrolmen who merit top tier pay, and 2% annual hikes for all other officers. They also wanted the traditional pay hikes that officers get in return for their long years of service.
The arbitrator ultimately awarded two years of 2% as well as a couple more years of 2.25% hikes.
Those in the government are afraid that cops and firemen may ask for higher raises in the future after New Jersey decided not to renew a law that was holding property taxes down, and established a 2% cap on wage increases public-sector unions could win in interest arbitration.
“The West Windsor arbitration award is one of just three to emerge since the cap expired in December 2017, opening the door for police and firefighters to get bigger raises when contract talks stall between their unions and municipalities,” reported nj.com. “The state’s League of Municipalities and Association of Counties continue to urge lawmakers to extend the cap, which they say helped slow the growth of the nation’s highest property taxes. Last year, the average residential property tax bill in New Jersey was $8,767.”
Interestingly, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy gave first responders a much needed show of support earlier this month when he signed A4882 and S716 into law, which will enhance protections for first responders, including those who volunteered for 9/11 rescue, recovery, and clean-up efforts at World Trade Center sites.
“Thousands of courageous volunteers put their lives on the line in order to save those affected by the devastation of 9/11,” said Murphy. “We will never forget their selfless acts of heroism, just as we will always be grateful for the first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. Today we send a clear message to all of our heroes: We have your back. I am proud to sign legislation that will ensure the health benefits and compensation that these incredible men and women deserve.”
4882, also known as “the Bill Ricci World Trade Center Rescue, Recovery, and Cleanup Operations Act,” is named after Lieutenant Bill Ricci, a professional firefighter in Clifton, Passaic County, who volunteered to serve at Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Lieutenant Ricci was ineligible for an accidental disability retirement under previously existing law. However, through this act, members and retirees who volunteered for 9/11 rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations, like Lieutenant Ricci, will be eligible to receive accidental disability retirement. This act will also create an exception to the normal five-year filing requirement for 9/11-related operations.
