Statement from Connor Shaw, Political Director & Business Agent United Service Workers Union, IUJAT on New Jersey Plan to Increase Health Care Costs 21 – 24 Percent 

Proposed Increases Are “Untenable” to Struggling Public Sector Workforce 

Thousands of members of the United Service Workers Union (IUJAT) working in critical jobs all-across the Garden State are worried sick about the proposal to increase the cost for the New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan, calling it untenable.

While we recognize that Governor Murphy and his administration have been strong advocates for the men and women of labor across our state, the impact of such a steep increase in the cost for union members and their families to access healthcare, would be very harmful.

The State Health Benefits Commission is scheduled to vote on proposed rate increases, that could elevate health insurance premiums on state health plans by 21%, and for local government plans by 24%.  The union believes the best option is to delay a vote on the increases, to explore alternatives.