The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) and Teamsters Local 97 filed a lawsuit against the Christie administration and the legislative leadership in an effort to overturn a 1.5% pay reduction to cover the cost of health insurance for public employees.

“In passing this law, the Members of the State Legislature, from both political parties, rushed to appease the Governor’s desire to circumvent collective negotiations.  The result is a statute that violates long-standing principles of fair play as well as the State and Federal Constitutional rights of our clients’ members. We anxiously await our day in court to present our clients’ claims to an impartial judiciary,” said James Mets, the attorney for the two unions.

The suit, filed in Mercer County Superior Court, argues that the newly-passed law violates the constitutional rights of public employees.

“An overwhelming majority of the Legislature and the Governor came together to enact these reforms because they are fair to current employees and will ensure the state’s promise of a full pension to career public servants. I am confident the courts will share that view and dismiss this lawsuit," said State Sen. Stephen Sweeney (D-West Deptford).