N.J. Civil Service Commission amends proposed rule changes, but critics still not happy
TRENTON — The battle over New Jersey’s civil service system continues.
Last week, a state Assembly panel advanced a resolution aiming to stop Gov. Chris Christie’s administration from instituting a set of proposed rule changes to the system, which governs how thousands of public employees in New Jersey are hired, promoted and fired and protects them from political retribution.
In response, the state Civil Service Commission today introduced a series of amendments that limit the scope of the overhaul to mollify critics.
Still, opponents say the amendments don’t fix their concerns and once again accused the Christie administration of trying to railroad the new rules through.
Under the current civil service system, employees receive jobs and move up based on examinations. But under the proposed overhaul, some jobs would be grouped together as part of a “band,” making it easier for manger to move employees from one position to another without exams. State officials say this will streamline promotions and save money.
“It introduces a more effective option to appointing authorities and employees,” Robert M. Czech, chair of the Civil Service Commission, said today.
Christie has said reforming the civil service system will be one of the focuses of his second term. (Johnson/Star-Ledger)
