July 6,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at Wednesday’s council meeting Heather Mailander confirmed that Ridgewood has settled with its “blue and white collar” unions . They have been out of contract since January 2016. 4 year agreements have been reached from January 16th to December 2019.

Highlights include :

Workers working between 35-40 hours will no longer get time and a half, the new contract requires working over 40 .

Workers can no longer build up “compensatory time ” for over time work and must take time and now must take time and half eliminating build up of huge vacation blocks.

Vacations are capped at 25 days for all new hires , 30 days for existing hires any employees over 30 years with the Village will be grandfathered in and will no longer accrue time off

2 new dental options for employees which the Village only pays $25 per month

New employees hired after July 1st will receive half of their accumulated sick leave with a cap at $15,000. Employees can buy back up to 7 days of sick leave per year and will be paid the first 45 days of the following year .

2016 anyone hired before November 1st 2013 will receive a 1.5% bump up lump sum and adjust all salary scales December 31st.

Salary increases will increase in 2017 1.5%, in 2018 1.75% and 2019 2%.

Anyone hired after November 1st 2013 there is now an eleven step scale ,2016 1% lump sum payment 2017 1%.2018 1.5%,and 2019 is 2%. Step increases will now be either January 1st or July 1st only.

Unions have also agreed to a time keeping agreement with a time clock and all employees will be issued an ID Badge.

there is no substitute for hard work, Thomas Edison

Labor Day has arrived and with it comes the unofficial end of summer and the back-to -school routine.

A Labor Day Message from Bergen County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan

For those who enjoy summer, you have my sympathy on its imminent demise; for those who enjoy the brisk fall weather and football games, I share your anticipation. For the children who are going back to school, all I can say is that I am sure your parents are thrilled that you will be continuing your education.

But before we close the book on Summer 2013, I want to pay to honor to the real meaning of Labor Day – which is to recognize the struggle of workers who built this nation by the sweat of their brow, their brawn, their creativity and dedication.

I want to honor those who have fought for workplace fairness and the legacy they have left for us. We owe a special debt to the men and women of the union movement, who, for decades, struggled to improve workplace safety, fought for honest wages, and the benefits that we all take for granted.

Worker activists in the U.S. began fighting for worker rights and recognition of labor’s value to our nation in the late 1800’s. In 1887 New Jersey became one of the first states to officially recognize a holiday celebrating labor’s contributions. In the middle of the next decade Congress created the first national Labor Day.

Whether you are a card carrying member of a union, or a government or corporate employee — the contribution you are making to your company or organization, and most importantly, to your family, deserves recognition.

Through the last century and into this one, American men and women have led the world in worker productivity and inventiveness. When called upon, as they were in World War II, American workers responded to our nation’s needs.

Today American workers are making quality products that are second to none, and they are leading the way in information age technology products and services.

America’s greatness and its future are found in the men and women who roll up their sleeves every day and do their work with pride and dedication.

Please, enjoy your Labor Day holiday, spend it with family and friends, and recognize the work you do that allows you to live independent lives, contributes to your community, our economy and the future of America.