Labor & Employment (Public Employees)

This bill (S 283) ensures that approximately 13,000 New Jersey state employees in the Executive Branch with "no-range" job titles - positions lacking established salary scales - receive salary increases comparable to those given to other state workers. It mandates that these employees get raises based on the average increase for employees in the state’s 50 "Aligned Employee Relations Groups" (ERGs), but not exceeding that percentage. Additionally, performance-based pay adjustments for these employees cannot be withheld unless they receive a formal "unsatisfactory" performance rating. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, addressing a longstanding gap where these workers previously missed automatic step increases.

This bill (S 1587) modifies New Jersey law to provide enhanced leave and compensation protections for public employees who serve in the military reserves or National Guard. It directly affects state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are active or retired military members. Key provisions require public employers to grant up to 30 paid workdays of leave annually for military service (including travel days and transitional leave), maintain retirement/health benefits during leave, and cover pay for service exceeding 30 days through collective bargaining agreements or employer discretion. The bill also clarifies that "active duty" includes medical appointments related to military service. It is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).