NJFOP Labor Council

Labor Council Mission Statement

The Fraternal Order of Police, New Jersey Labor Council has been created by the New Jersey State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, to serve its law enforcement members as a labor organization under the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Act.

The F.O.P.- NJ Labor Council, Inc. is dedicated to improving the lives of law enforcement personnel through representation of its members in collective bargaining and other labor related matters. The organization, by its Code of Regulations:

Promotes the formation of collective bargaining units for law enforcement personnel. Acts as collective bargaining agent for members and member units recognized by the New Jersey State Public Employment Relations Commission.
Engages in collective bargaining, mediation, and arbitration for the purpose of improving wages, hours, and other working conditions.

Advances the rights and promotes the interest of all law enforcement personnel.

Unites, represents, defends and promotes the interest of all members in duty related matters where applicable.
Works in a cooperative manner with other organizations interested in
promoting the efficiency, professionalism, and well being of law enforcement members.

The F.O.P. - N.J.L.C. exists to protect and serve those who protect and serve society. Our purpose is to proudly serve the law enforcement community as members of the Fraternal Order of Police, with a goal of becoming the premier law enforcement labor organization in New Jersey.

Labor Council News

Law Enforcement Officers Rights & Protections
Here are the "HIGHLIGHTS" on the recent contract settlements negotiated by the Labor Council:

Lawrence Township Lodge 209
In an effort to avoid cutbacks, layoffs and arbitration, Lawrence Twp. Lodge 209 and the NJ FOP Labor Council negotiated settlements in both the Patrolmen/Detectives contract and Superior Officers contract. Results of the settlements were:
Salaries for both units: 2009 - 3.25%. 2010 - 0%, 2011 - 2.85%, 2012 -2.85%.

The current salary guide was amended to include freezing the Academy and Probationary steps for the length of the contract and adding one additional step to the existing salary guide which means it would now take seven years to get to top salary instead of the current six years in the Patrol/Detectives contract.

Unit members also volunteered to pay 1.5% of their base salaries beginning Jan. 1, 2011 towards their health care. This was before the Governor's State mandated 1.5% contributions by all government employees which took effect May 21, 2010.

Glassboro Lodge 108: Pete Amico Promotional Grievance

After three years of the Borough of Glassboro repeatedly appealing an arbitrator's decision and Court decisions in this matter, The FOP Labor Council finally prevailed in the NJ Supreme Court on a matter involving the Town's refusal to promote Sgt. Pete Amico to the rank of Lt.

This involved Glassboro changing the promotional criteria after the test was given and test scores made available. The issue dealt with Sgt. Amico moving out of town just prior to or during the testing process where residency had never been an issue previously.

Gloucester Twp. Lodge 206 (formerly Lodge 9)

After 1 1/2 years of negotiations, both bargaining units settled with the Twp. after several mediation sessions. Highlights of the settlement are:

4 yr. contract resulting in a 21% raise over length of contract.
Holidays rolled into base in year 2
Increase in out of pocket health care costs from $5 to $10 per doctor visit.
Premium sharing of $10 per week per individual, $15 per week per family.
Increases in off duty pay to $45 per hour Bd. of Ed & $60 per hour Road jobs.
Several wording changes to solidify contract.

Hillside Lodge 82 mediated contract settlement:
Highlights of settlement:

19.25% over 5 years.
Increases in longevity step per centages.
Increases in prescription costs of $10 generic, $15 brand name, $ 0% mail order.
In 2010, members to contribute $50 per month towards health care.
FTO stipend of 1 hour additional per day spent training new recruits.
Twp. to pay for any accrued or unused holiday pay at end of each year.

Voorhees Twp. Lodge 56, all 3 units: ULP's & grievances on Employee Manual

Twp. put out new manual to all employees without the opportunity of them being involved in the process of drafting same. The Labor Council filed Unfair Practice Charges and Grievances against the Twp. for Failure to Negotiate these changes. Labor Council prevailed.

New Jersey Transit Lodge 37: Multiple Issues

Over the past year, through the efforts of the Labor Council and Lodge 37, a Labor/Management cooperative effort has resulted in approximately 16 grievances and ULP's being settled in meetings with Chief Bober and his staff. All of these matters had previouosly been slated for arbitration and PERC hearings.

Also responding and defending Sgt. Robson IOD arbitration that was won by the Labor Council and upon appeal to Superior Court, but Transit appealed to Appellate Court. Sgt. Robson terminated after coming back from injury, during which time Transit implemented a new physical fitness for duty policy while he was out IOD.

Members of the Labor Council again met with NJ Transit police administrators to discuss possible resolutions to some recent grievances.

This meeting was the fourth (4th) in a series of Labor/Management meetings held over the past 2 years to attempt to resolve on-going labor issues which have proved very successful for both sides.

During the course of this meeting, both sides came to resolution of 3 union leave issues during which officers would be compensated for time taken from them during contract negotiations.

Another matter to be resolved was the notification to union members by the Administration whenever they used what is considered excessive sick time. The old practice left these forms in their files permanently. The new agreement would place a date or length of time the letters would be in the files before being removed at the request of the officer.

The above 2 issues had been slated for arbitration before this meeting.

Two other issues involving Vacation Bids and Dues Deductions will be remanded back to the arbitrator as part of the recently mediated contract.

It was decided that the 2 remaining issues needed to be settled at arbitration, which involved forced sick and denial of holiday pay.

Mount Arlington Lodge 78 Settlement:
   1. Switched schedule to twelve (12) hour shifts
   2. An extra 104 hours of pay goes into the officers base salary.
   3. Holiday Pay added to base salary.
   4. Salary Increases for 2009 - 2%, 2010 - 3%
   5. 1% co-premium share towards health care on a pre-tax 125 plan.

Labor Council Frequently Asked Questions

Labor Council FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on labor issues related to the law enforcement profession. Have an question not answered here? Just Email us and we will be glad to answer your question!

How can a lodge become a member of the FOP-NJ Labor Council?

The process is simple. Start by contacting the LC State Office at 609-599-3222. Ask for a Startup Pack. Schedule a meeting for a presentation of the program to your local organization. Complete the Representation Agreement and return it with a membership roster, copy of your current contract, and a check for your 1st quarterly dues. Select your Bargaining Committee and its chairperson. From the date of the Representation Agreement the FOP-NJLC will represent your collective bargaining interests. We'll service your current agreement, and help you negotiate your next one. Your local organization controls the contract, what you bargain for, and what you agree to accept. The Labor Council is your Professional Representative and voice at the Bargaining and Grievance Tables. You call the shots. We represent them for you.

General FAQ's

Do you have a question you'd like answered? Please Email us.

Do I need permission from the National FOP to have a web site?Yes, you do need to have permission from the National Headquarters of the FOP in Nashville, Tennessee. You MUST contact them directly.
When I have membership updates, such as address changes, name changes, new member additions, and deletions what do I do with them?Whenever you have any changes to your roster, you must fill out an Add/Delete Form to be completed by the local Secretary for changes in lodge officers. A Lodge Officers Change Form should be submitted. This form may be obtained from the NJ State Office. After the updates are made by the local lodges, they are then sent to the State Office who will forward any changes to the National FOP office.
Does the NJ State FOP have solicitations or fund raising events?Yes, the NJ State FOP does have an ongoing solicitation. Fund raising events are also taking place at different times in different parts of the state on a Local Lodge level. Local solicitations MUST be approved by the State Lodge.
How can I purchase merchandise from the FOP?All merchandise will only be sold to the lodge officers of your local lodge. They may call the state and the state will then mail the ordered merchandise to the lodge. Individual members with proper identification may purchase merchandise at the office or prepaid.
What happens to my FOP license plate and FOP shield should I decide to resign or if I am suspended from my lodge?If you should decide to resign, or you have been suspended from your lodge, you MUST turn over both your FOP license plates and the FOP shield to an officer of your lodge.
How can I get information regarding the State Meeting and directions?If you plan on attending any of the NJFOP State Meetings, you may contact the trustee of your local lodge or you may go to the Events section of our web site, as this section is updated periodically.
What are the hours of the State Office in Trenton, and how can I get in touch with someone there?The NJ State Office of the Fraternal Order of Police is open Mon. - Fri. at 9:00 A.M. and closing time varies. You may want to contact the State Office if you plan to visit to obtain an accurate closing time. You may contact the State Office at (609) 599-1222.