Governor Signs Bucco/Singleton Bill Saving Jobs and Taxpayer Money

TRENTON – Bipartisan legislation providing protections for school employees covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement was signed into law today.

Sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25) and Senator Troy Singleton (D-7), the new law (S-2303) prevents employers from entering subcontracting agreements which could affect the employment of those workers in a bargaining unit during the term of their contract.

“This will provide stability in our schools and help save money on the cost of healthcare for teachers,” said Bucco. “At the same time, it protects the jobs of important school employees during these challenging times. The jobs of cafeteria workers, janitors and other valuable members of our school communities would be safe from outsourcing to vendors while they are protected by contract.”

Employers, under the law, are 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 had the best schools in the country for the past two years,” said Singleton. “With this new law, we are showing our support professionals that they are core to our children’s education.”