Members of public unions (i.e., police, fire, Turnpike, etc.) are in for a rough ride this year as the full impact of Governor Christie’s policies start to be felt. Not only are there significant cutbacks in spending, but it is becoming apparent that management will be much more aggressive with disciplinary sanctions than ever before. For instance, be prepared to see minor infractions treated as major disciplinary offenses. Also, be prepared to see penalties which previously were handled by a 1-5 day suspension proceedings now being used to justify 30-day suspensions. Union members would be well advised to treat all disciplinary charges very seriously, as they will no doubt be used to “fill up” the record against certain employees within the “disclosure” period of the contract – and then be used at subsequent disciplinary hearings as evidence a “history” of disciplinary problems.
