TRENTON, NJ (CBS) – A battle royal could be brewing between New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and the state judiciary over his pension and benefit reforms for state workers.

Christie is none too happy with a lawsuit filed by a judge, saying it’s illegal to make him pay more for pensions and health care, since to do so, lowers his salary.

On Monday, Judge Linda Feinberg sided with her fellow jurist, while denying unions in their bid to join the lawsuit.

Christie called the action “elitist.” “Her friends, the judges, the people she goes to the dinners with, the people who vote on giving each other awards, the little clicky club of 432, they’re the only ones who can receive these extraordinary benefits.”

The governor will appeal the decision and if that fails, he’ll seek a constitutional amendment to make the higher payments stick.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060