NJ State PBA Pension Benefits Coordinator.
Thursday, Feb. 8
• Understanding and navigating arbitration, PERC and
Civil Service by Robert A. Fagella of Zazzali, Fagella,
Nowak, Kleinbaum & Friedman.
• Worker’s compensation law by David H. Lande of Gil &
Chamas LLC.
• Health Benefits by David Beckett of David Beckett Law
and Kevin Lyons, NJ State PBA Health Benefits Coordi-
nator.
Jim Mets of Mets, Schiro, McGovern, LLP will conclude the
2018 Collective Bargaining Seminar reprising his “ABC’s of In-
terest Arbitration” presentation that addresses what might be
a major concern for all Locals given the potential resolution of
the pending legislation regarding the 2-percent municipal tax
cap. This seminar, like the entire 20 hours of programming, pro-
vides essential content, and there are a couple of presentations
that will also have a particularly profound impact.
“Law enforcement officer rights is one that will be especially
important because everybody needs to know how to conduct
themselves if they are called into Internal Affairs,” O’Brien rec-
ommended. “Also, Ray Caprio addressing how to review a bud-
get, how to find out where the money is when it comes to a ne-
gotiation process is important to every Local.”
But whether you are part of the Jackson Township Local 168
11 who are currently in contract negotiations, or coming for the
ongoing networking that is a huge opportunity to improve Lo-
cal operations, O’Brien reminds about another reason to take
copious notes.
“Every presentation is new every year,” he added. “You have
to take into account the updates every year about what we’re
fighting for. Oftentimes, we hear about legislation we’re look-
ing for, but this is a chance to hear about the legislation that we
31st Annual NJ State PBA Collective
Bargaining Seminar
Feb. 6-8
Harrah’s Atlantic City
Register at njspba.com
saved to maintain our benefits.”
With less than a month until the 31st Annual NJ State PBA
Collective Bargaining Seminar, O’Brien is confident that all is
set, including the support to handle the late rush of registration
that typically comes (registration forms are at njspba.com). He
said that is primarily due to the meticulous planning and lead-
ership from PBA Collective Bargaining Committee Chair and
Lacey Township Local 238 State Delegate John Cernek, Summit
Local 55 State Delegate Mike Freeman and the other members
of the committee.
“This is a great opportunity to become a better union leader,”
O’Brien reassured. “That’s the ultimate goal: for all attendees to
know they have the knowledge to do the job they’re here for.”
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