NEW YORK (AP) — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey voted Thursday to cut bonuses and other benefits for its nonunion employees in a move expected to save $41 million over 18 months.
"These changes are painful and will represent pay cuts for many Port Authority employees," Executive Director Patrick Foye told the authority's Board of Commissioners. But Foye said Port Authority staffers still earn more than many other government employees.
A recent audit ordered by the governors of New York and New Jersey criticized the agency's organization and called its management "dysfunctional."
The belt-tightening plan that the audit prompted will require nonunion workers for the first time to contribute to the cost of their health care premiums. More than 2,000 employees would be affected.
Employees at the top of the Port Authority's pay scale will pay 35% of their health insurance premiums.
Employees will lose an average of 5.3 vacation days, with some workers losing as many as 17.
