TRENTON – Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco and Senator Troy Singleton that would provide protections for school employees covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement has passed both houses of the Legislature and now awaits consideration by the Governor.

The legislation (S-2303) prohibits employers from entering into subcontracting agreements which may affect the employment of any workers in a bargaining unit during the term of a contract. The Senate passed the measure in March and today voted to concur with Assembly amendments.

“This legislation will provide relief to property taxpayers, reduce the cost of healthcare for teachers, and protect the jobs of important school employees during these challenging times,” said Senator Bucco (R-25). “Cafeteria workers, janitors and other valuable members of our school communities would be safe from having their jobs outsourced to vendors while they are protected by contract.”

Under the bill, part of a collective effort to make New Jersey more affordable and protect jobs, an employer is defined as any local or regional school district, board or commission under the authority of the Commissioner of Education or the State Board of Education.

“Educational support professionals enhance the scholastic experience our students receive at school. They help separate New Jersey’s public schools from the rest, and are part of the reason why we have the best schools in the country,” said Senator Singleton (D-7). “These support professionals are core to our children’s education.”

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