Public employees rail against cuts 7,000 demand their benefits be protected Tuesday, December 12, 2006 • BY TOM HESTER AND JOE DONOHUE • Star-Ledger Staff About 7,000 public employees -- including teachers, state workers, cops and firefighters -- massed at the Statehouse yesterday to loudly tell state leaders that their benefits shouldn't be cut in the effort to reduce property taxes. They chanted, "We're not the problem!" Teachers held up red foam hands that declared "Back off!" Firefighters turned out in their helmets and red T-shirts that stated, "Firefighters, We Protect Lives, Protect Our Pensions." "This is one of the more intensely united labor movements in a decade," said Carla Katz, president of Local 1034 of the Communications Workers of America, the largest state employees union. "In part, we are fighting for an issue that is at the core of members' lives, to retire in dignity and receive decent health benefits." The workers were protesting proposals to raise their contributions for health coverage, base their pensions on the five highest earning years rather than the three highest, and make future public employees pay into a 401(k)-style retirement plan. They also oppose Gov. Jon Corzine's plan to try to change their benefits at the bargaining table. "It's like a camel. You don't want the nose to get under the tent," said Chuck Canterbury, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police. "Any time your pensions and health care rely on elected officials, you've got to be vigilant." The rally, sponsored by the New Jersey Education Association teachers union, took many teachers away from the classroom yesterday. At least six school districts canceled classes yesterday as teachers headed for Trenton. Back in those school districts, parents and guardians were dealing with an unexpected day off. "It's foolish," said Jerry Smith, 73, while watching his granddaughter, who was home because classes were canceled at South Amboy Elementary School. "What they did is call a strike. It's crazy, in my estimation. It's a hardship on kids. It's absolutely nuts. Everyone doesn't have a grandparent they can turn to. Imagine the amount of people who had to take the day off and lose a day of pay." Lori Gibilisco, also of South Amboy, was home with her sixth- and 10th-grade daughters. She supports the teachers. "They've got to do what they've got to do," Gibilisco said. "This is for their pensions, right?" A few blocks from Morristown High School, a group of eighth-graders enjoyed their bonus day off -- and the nice weather -- by playing basketball. "I think we deserved this day off because we've been working hard in school," said Manpreet Hundal, 14. "The bad thing is that they're getting rid of a snow day and we only have four snow days in the year." Mona Zampitella, a 25-year veteran art teacher in Delran who attended the rally, said she understands some parents might be upset that teachers took off to attend the event. "I'm a parent too," she said, noting that she used a personal day. "What affects me will affect everyone down the line. Can you imagine if you take away health care?" The protest was among the larger Trenton rallies of the past three decades, but did not equal the record-setting crowd of nearly 25,000 public employees that gathered on a Sunday in 1994 to rage against Gov. Christie Whitman's budget-cutting plan to end state subsidy of their pension plans. At one side of the crowd yesterday, a giant, gray inflatable rat brought by CWA Local 1033 held a sign that read: "Danger -- Pension Security At Risk." At another side, a protester waved a hand-printed sign that asked, "Anyone Seen An 800 lb. Gorilla?" -- a reference to Corzine's description of the unions as potent special interests in Trenton. Three of the largest unions -- representing teachers, state workers and police -- together contributed more than $1.1 million to state candidates last year. "I really think the Legislature has to pay attention to what is being said here," said Marie Coster, a Roselle Park special education teacher. "I'm in jeopardy of losing benefits I worked for. This is my dream. This is my life. I love the children. I'm reaching retirement age and my pension benefits are not there. Please, they can't take the health benefits we've worked hard for." Toni Guerra, a 35-year veteran kindergarten teacher in Hainesport, Burlington County, said public workers are "very worried" about changes to their benefits. "This is something worth fighting for," she said. Staff writers Chandra M. Hayslett and Kejal Vyas contributed to this report © 2006 The Star-Ledger. Used by NJ.com with permission.