Executive Order No. 23 of N.J. Gov. Driscoll

Authorizing the seizure of the plants, offices, facilities and equipment of thePublic Service Electric and Gas Company.

WHEREAS, the Public Service Electric and Gas Company, the Electric Operating Department, a corporation of the State of New Jersey, and a public utility within the meaning of Chapter 38 of the laws of 1946, and International Brotherhood Electric Workers, A.F. of L., System Council, Local Unions Nos. 853, 1335, 1134, 1338, 1320, 1345, 1368, 1329, 1350, 1330 1nd 1355, the representative for collective bargaining purposes, of the employees in the Electric Operating Department of the said Company, have not reached and executed a final agreement in writing as to all conditions of employment affecting such employees through collective bargaining and

WHEREAS, I do find that, as a matter of fact, such threat of interruption of the operation of said Company jeopardizes the public interest, health and welfare, and the exercise of the authority vested in me by law is necessary to insure the operation of such public utility.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power conferred upon me by Chapter 38 of the Laws of 1946, as amended by Chapters 47 and 75 of the laws of 1947, and Chapter 14 of the Laws of 1950, and as supplemented by Chapter 308 of the laws of 1949, and particularly Section 13 thereof, I, Alfred E. Driscoll, Governor of the State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim and order the following:

(1). The Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, Walter T. Margetts, Jr., is hereby authorized and directed to take possession of the plants, offices, facilities and equipment of every nature and description used in the operation of the business of the Public Service Electric and Gas Company or such part or parts of each of said plants, offices, facilities, and equipment to the extent it may be necessary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Order so that the people of this State may have the benefit of necessary and essential electric service.

(2). The Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, Walter T. Margetts, Jr., as aforesaid is further authorized and directed to take possession of any and all real and personal property or any other assets wherever the same may be situated which are used or shall be necessary to be used in connection with the operation of such plants, offices, facilities and equipment and to operate and arrange for the operation of such plants, offices, facilities and equipment in any manner necessary in order to maintain necessary and essential electric service for the people of the State of New Jersey and in order that the public interest, health and welfare may not be interfered with.

(3). The said Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, Walter T. Margetts, Jr., as aforesaid shall have authority to do such acts as may be necessary for the purpose of bringing into operation the provisions of the aforesaid statutes requiring arbitration of the labor dispute between the said Company and the employees represented by said Union and for the purpose of protecting the public interest, health and welfare.

(4). Said Treasurer of the State of New Jersey, Walter T. Margetts, Jr., shall continue to operate the plants, offices, facilities and equipment of the Company, as provided herein, until otherwise directed by executive order of the Governor.

(5). This order shall take effect immediately.

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 23