Wayne Teachers Will Rally, Wear Red For Fiscal Relief

WAYNE, NJ — Members of the Wayne Education Association will wear red and rally in front of every township school Wednesdays this month in support of reversing a state law they said is crippling them financially.

The 2011 law, known colloquially as Chapter 78, required school employees to contribute to their health benefits. Former Gov. Chris Christie introduced the legislation.

According to the WEA, educators are making less than they did four, five, and six years ago. Teachers, aides, secretaries, nurses, and custodians have lost their homes, cannot send their children to college, and have taken second and third jobs, union leadership said.

"Under Chapter 78, net pay for many members will continue to be reduced," said Donna Reaver, chairperson of the WEA's Education Action Committee. "The situation is desperate both for those educators and for their future ability of our schools to attract and retain a quality staff and district."

The issue of healthcare coverage has been a sticking point in multiple North Jersey districts, including Bridgewater, Raritan, and Ridgewood.

"Like our colleagues around the state and country in the Red for Ed movement, we are tired of education taking a back seat to other issues and demand greater respect for the people who have dedicated their lives to others," said WEA President Eda Ferrante. "We are tired of losing ground, paying more than we should, and, most of all, we are tired of boards balancing the budget on the backs of their employees."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

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