Christie critical of wage deal with N.J. union

New Jersey's Republican candidate for governor says he would not honor a deal on wage freezes and furloughs struck with the largest public-workers' union.

Christopher J. Christie calls the tentative revised contract a bad deal for taxpayers. He says a Christie administration would begin with "significant" layoffs. The criticism indicates the agreement Gov. Corzine struck with the Communications Workers of America last week will become a campaign issue in the race for governor.

The deal requires 10 unpaid days off within the next year and defers workers' 3.5 percent pay raise. But it also pledges no layoffs despite the economic slump and gives workers seven days back after Dec. 31, 2010. - AP