Jersey City Council OKs measure backing 32BJ SEIU security officers’ contract

The Jersey City Council unanimously approved (8-0) a resolution backing 32BJ SEIU security officers’ contract at last night’s meeting.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“Security officers are on the frontlines of public safety every day—responding to emergencies, preventing violence, and protecting Jersey City’s most important institutions,” 32BJ SEIU New Jersey State Director and Vice President Ana Maria Hill said in a statement.

“We thank the Jersey City Council for standing with workers and passing this resolution, which affirms that fair pay, quality healthcare, and strong protections are essential for both officers and the communities they protect. When security officers win, public safety wins.”

The passage comes on the heals of a September 3rd rally and march of 32BJ SEIU security officers in downtown Newark, advocating for a “Bill of Rights” for NJ security officers.

The union’s Bill of Rights, a public letter of support for the contract fight, has been signed by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8), local and state officials.

Attendees at the rally included Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, state Senator Angela McKnight (D-31), Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-28), Newark Council President Lawrence Crump, Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Essex County Commissioner Wayne Richardson, Jersey City Ward D council candidate Veronica Akaezuwa, SEIU 1199, the Working Families Party, and CWA 1037.

“Security officers are essential to Jersey City’s safety and to the strength of our community. They protect our hospitals, schools, universities, arenas, transit hubs, and office buildings. Our city simply cannot function without them,” Solomon, the resolution sponsor, said in a statement.

“By passing this resolution, the Jersey City Council proudly stands with security officers in their call for fair pay, quality benefits, and safe working conditions. Today, we are sending a clear message: Jersey City values and respects the men and women who protect our vital institutions.”

The call for higher standards comes as more than 2,000 private security officers in New Jersey, represented by 32BJ SEIU, are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, set to expire on September 15th.

All parties are working in good faith to reach an agreement. 32BJ SEIU and the unionized private security industry have successfully collaborated for over a decade to improve conditions and raise standards for thousands of officers, the union said Thursday.