Sick Time Payouts in the news
Unions, meanwhile, disagree and have long fought against efforts to have the state cap payouts.
“NJEA opposes efforts to limit by legislation items that are currently subject to collective bargaining,” said spokesman Steve Baker. “Payouts for accumulated leave should be subject to collective bargaining.”
The battle of the bills
In 2010, Christie asked for and the Legislature gave him a cap of $15,000 for payouts going to any new school, county, or municipal employee. Payouts to workers hired before that depended on their contracts. (Accrued sick days have long been capped for state employees.)
But Christie’s bill only capped new hires at $15,000. Anyone who was already employed before the bill was signed could continue to rack up pay for unused absences. The Legislature then passed a bill that would cap all employees at $15,000 (not counting any sick-leave pay they had already accrued). Christie wanted more; he wanted to put a stop to all accruals. The bill went nowhere
Health Benefits
Tenure Q & A
New Jersey’s new tenure was signed by Governor Christie on August 6, 2012. This law was a bipartisan sponsored legislation where the NJEA had substantial input in the final draft. Please click on the link to download a fact about the legislation.
Safety in the Workplace
If anyone is having a problem in their work environment, fill out the proper requests and make a copy for your records. You should also email your building administration as a follow up. Springtime is usually is our worst time for rain, leaks, and mold. If air quality issues are suspected, the MTEA needs to know right away, please forward information to Jeremy Fau at the High School. For more information on health and safety issues visit NJEA’s Health and Safety page.
Healthcare Assistance with Mentor Support
Working in cooperation with our Union, HCAMS, offers services to deal with many personal issues. This is a confidential program that is available 24 hours a day/ everyday. Your single point contact for member assisstance is 1-888.-828-7826.
Retirement
Thinking of retiring? It is never to early to understand your benefits. Here are a few questions and answers on retirement. Call your UniServ office to schedule a pension consultation.
Anti-Bullying Law
On Sept. 1, 2011, a new anti-bullying law went into effect in New Jersey. The law, known as the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, places new responsibilities on public schools including: the adoption of comprehensive anti-bullying policies, more staff training, designating an anti-bullying specialist for each school to investigate complaints, and an anti-bullying coordinator for each district. NJEA has compiled some resources and information to help parents, teachers, and educational support professionals understand the new law.