Massive Union Rally Planned Ahead Of NJ Public Worker Healthcare Hikes

TRENTON, NJ — At least 14 labor unions will rally at the statehouse Tuesday to protest what they say is an unmanageable hike in healthcare premiums for hundreds of thousands of public employees.

This includes police, firefighters, healthcare workers, teachers, electrical workers, communications workers, and other active and retired public employees in New Jersey.

Union members are rallying in Trenton ahead of a state board vote on a proposed rate increase on health insurance plans, union leaders told media in a news conference Friday.

Leaders are urging state officials to delay the planned vote, which was already postponed after a public outcry.

The rally is Tuesday, Sept. 13 at noon at the Statehouse Annex. Union organizers say it will be the largest rally in years, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of workers affected.

Local government employees in the State Health Benefits Program face up to a 24 percent increase for medical insurance next year, while those working for the state face about a 21.4 percent increase for PPO/HDHP and HMO plans.

Those in the School Employees Health Benefits Program face a potential 15.6 percent increase, documents from state consultant Aon show.

And, Communications Workers of America estimates the increase at 20.7 percent for people in CWA Unity and 18.6 percent for state workers in other plans.

"We believe that Aon has again overestimated the need for an increase," CWA 1037 said on its website.

With an increase of 20.7 percent, a typical state worker making $75,000 with family coverage would see a 1.36 percent pay cut, the CWA added.

Union members, including state Policemen's Benevolent Association president Patrick Colligan, said they have been trying to negotiate with Governor Phil Murphy's office.

"We have been working diligently with other public sector labor unions to resolve this crisis and while our team is holding meetings with the State, legislators and other stakeholders, we have attempted along with the other unions to open a dialogue with the Governor’s office with no response," Colligan wrote on the state PBA website. "We are in the position to have to join with our brothers and sisters in labor to make sure our message is delivered to the Governor."

The State Health Benefits Commission is set to vote Wednesday on the increases, as NJ Spotlight News reported.

Aon, the state's consultant, said a projected increase in claims (because people deferred medical care during the pandemic) and the "current inflationary environment" contributed to the proposed rate increase.

Several municipalities have introduced resolutions opposing the proposed increases, including Madison and Chester in Morris County.