Raises for 35K workers — Murphy doesn’t know how much it’ll cost

Gov. Phil Murphy says he doesn't know the "exact number" for the cost of a new contract with state about 35,000 state workers.

The Democrat was asked about the contract Wednesday, just a day after the New Jersey Communication Workers of America approved the four-year deal.

The contract reaches back to 2015 and runs until 2019. It includes two 2 percent raises for state workers as well as retroactive step increases for members.

UPDATE: Murphy now has estimate for cost of contract

The deal expired under Republican Chris Christie, who clashed with the union.

Murphy says the deal is the "right thing to do for workers and working families." He called the agreement "not that big a deal."

He said in a statement Tuesday the current and next-year budgets cover the costs. Details aren't available yet.

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