NJ Cops June2018 | Page 13

dress on file with the public employer; 2. every 120 calendar days beginning on Jan. 1 following the effective date of this act, public employers must provide the majority representative in the same format the fol- lowing information for all unit employees: name, job title, worksite location, home address, work, home and personal cellular telephone numbers, date of hire and work email address and personal email address on file with the public employer. Use of email systems Majority representatives have the right to use email systems of public employers to communicate with unit members regarding collective negotiations, the administration of agreements, inves- tigation of grievances and other workplace-related complaints and issues and internal union matters involving the governance or business of the union. Use of buildings Majority representatives have the right to use government buildings and other facilities that are owned or leased by gov- ernment entities to conduct meetings with unit members. The meetings conducted shall not be for the purpose of supporting or opposing any candidate for political office or for the purpose of distributing literature or information regarding political elections. Negotiations obligations Upon the request of a majority representative, a public employ- er shall negotiate in good faith over contractual provisions to me- morialize the parties’ agreement to include the provisions of this act. Union membership A. An employer is prohibited both from encouraging union members to resign or relinquish membership in the union and from encouraging union members to revoke authori- zation of dues deductions. B. An employer is prohibited from encouraging or discourag- ing an employee from joining, forming or assisting an em- ployee organization. Membership dues A. Amends N.J.S.A. 52:14-15.9(e) to permit employees to sub- mit via electronic communication an electronic signature to the proper disbursing officer of their desire to have de- ductions made from compensation for the purpose of pay- ing dues. B. Revocation of payroll deduction – employees may only re- voke authorization by providing written notice during the 10 days following each anniversary date of their employ- ment. C. Within five days of receipt of notice from an employee of revocation of authorization, the employer must provide notice to the employee organization of the employee’s re- vocation. D. The notice of revocation shall be effective on the 30th day after the anniversary date of employment. While some of these provisions may mirror similar clauses in current PBA agreements, some are certainly new protections which Locals and their members will now enjoy. PBA agreements may have to be amended to reflect some of these new rights as noted in “negotiation obligations” above. For example, as de- scribed under “membership dues” above, the limitations on when a member can revoke his or her authorization to deduct dues has been significantly limited. PBA Locals should consult with their attorneys to discuss what may need to be done to implement the act’s provisions. And while the Janus decision, if adverse, will hopefully have little or no ef- fect on PBAs because of the significant member benefits which the PBA currently provides, the new statutory rights will certainly strengthen that representation even more. d www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ JUNE 2018 13