N.J.S.A. 11A:8-2 Pre-layoff actions
a. An appointing authority shall lessen the possibility, extent or impact of layoffs by implementing pre-layoff actions, which may include but need no… Amended 1 time since 1986.
Current through the close of the 221st Legislature (L. 2025, c. 346). What that means
Reviewed as of July 28, 2026. Official text: njleg.state.nj.us.
In plain language
Before laying anyone off, an appointing authority has to try to avoid it. The section lists five pre-layoff actions and says the list is not exhaustive: freeze hiring and promotion temporarily, separate non-permanent employees, return provisional employees to their permanent titles, reassign people, and help those who might be affected find transfers or other work. It also requires consultation with the majority representative of the affected employees before any of it happens. The obligation is to implement pre-layoff actions, not merely to consider them, and the union is entitled to be at the table first.
Written by the NJ Civil Service Navigator editorial team from the text of this section. The statute itself is below, unabridged.
a.An appointing authority shall lessen the possibility, extent or impact of layoffs by implementing pre-layoff actions, which may include but need not be limited to:#
(1)initiating a temporary hiring or promotion freeze;#
(2)separating non-permanent employees;#
(3)returning provisional employees to their permanent titles;#
(4)reassigning employees; and#
(5)assisting potentially affected employees in securing transfers or other employment.#
b.An appointing authority shall consult with the majority representative of public employees selected or designated pursuant to section 7 of P.L. 1968, c. 303 (C. 34:13A-5.3) that represents the affected employees prior to implementing pre-layoff actions pursuant to this section.#
Enacted by L. 1986, c. 112, effective September 25, 1986. Last amended by L. 2001, c. 241, effective September 6, 2001.
An old amendment date alone does not mean a provision is obsolete. This mirror reflects the source watermark above; later laws and decisions can affect how the text applies.
Legislative history
Session laws, newest first
- L. 2001, c. 241, section 2Amended
effective September 6, 2001 - L. 1986, c. 112Enacted
effective September 25, 1986
Commission decisions resting on 11A:8-2
3 decisions of the Civil Service Commission since January 16, 2019 rest on this section: 3 cite it directly. The newest:
- In the Matters of Jordan Zorrer, et al., Union County January 18, 2023 · Layoff, seniority or title rights · Denied · cites this section
- In the Matters of Union County Layoff June 30, 2021 · Petition for interim relief or a stay · Denied · cites this section
- In the Matter of City of Hoboken Layoff July 29, 2020 · Petition for interim relief or a stay · Dismissed as untimely · cites this section