Gov.-elect Christie Eyes NJ State Worker Givebacks

ANGELA DELLI SANTI

HOLMDEL, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov.-elect Chris Christie made it clear Wednesday that he'll seek new concessions from state workers as he grapples with a projected budget deficit of $8 billion entering his first year in office.

This would mean going back to a well that Gov. John Corzine tapped earlier this year, potentially setting up another round of tense negotiations with union leaders.

Speaking after a Veteran's Day event in Holmdel, Christie said he expects shared sacrifice from the state work force of about 75,000.

He said he's leaving all his options open for the dismal fiscal year ahead, including trimming the state's contribution to the workers' pension fund and asking for additional givebacks from labor.

Late last year Corzine reopened the workers' contracts after state revenues plunged and New Jersey's budget deficit ballooned.

Under a renegotiated deal finalized early this year, the unions put off the 3.5 percent pay raise they were due on July 1 for 18 months and took unpaid furlough days in exchange a no-layoff -pledge through December 2010.