Jersey City building workers seeking a fair contract delivered tenant petitions with roughly 300 signatures to Ironstate, who has put Babco in charge of negotiations.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“These essential workers—who have kept the buildings clean, secure, and running—have been fighting for affordable health care, job security, safety training, career advancement, and modest retirement benefits for years,” 32BJ SEIU Vice President and New Jersey State Director Ana Maria Hill said in a statement.
“We are urging Ironstate to hire a responsible contractor and stand with the workers who keep these buildings running.”
On September 15th, building service workers at 70 & 90 Columbus Drive rallied and delivered the aforementioned petition.
In 2024, 14 New Jersey elected officials sent a letter to Babco CEO Diana Betancourth condemning the company’s anti-union actions and calling for the reinstatement of Laura Campos, a union-supporting worker fired without cause.
Then in February of this year, Babco reached a settlement with 32BJ SEIU over alleged union busting tactics at 205 and 235 Hudson St. in Hoboken and 70-90 Columbus Dr. in Jersey City – which are owned by Ironstate – as HCV first reported.
“I’ve dedicated years of my life to serving the residents here. All we are asking for is respect and a fair contract that recognizes our work and provides the security we need,” added Luz Dary Ibarra, a building worker at 70 Columbus.
“I was fired for standing up for my rights, but that won’t silence me. We deserve fair wages and health care to care for our families, and I will keep fighting until we win. I need my job to provide for my family,” said Perfecto Díaz, a former building worker at 205 Hudson St. and father of four.
Last week’s rally drew some local support, most notably Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), who are both running for mayor.
“Here we are again because they are not doing what they’re supposed to do. They are not negotiating in good faith, and shame on them for firing someone simply for being part of the union and part of the organizing effort,” noted O’Dea
“It makes me angry. How can billionaire developers treat the people who make our city run this way? It’s shameful and it’s wrong. For me, I am committed to fighting alongside these workers. These developers are making billions while the workers who keep their buildings running are struggling,” declared Solomon.
Sean Joyce, an attorney for Babco, argued that the conflicts with 32BJ had nothing to do with union busting.
“There are three pending baseless unfair labor charges filed on behalf of 1) Perfecto Diaz, 2) Nora Amaya and 3) Angelica Jinet Osma and Alicia Carnisares wherein the Union alleges unlawful retaliation based upon their union activities. However, Babco has presented the legitimate reasons for the actions taken against all of these employees – none of which had anything to do with any union activities,” he said.
“One, Mr. Diaz sought to change his personal information and work documents, including wanting to change his social security number to a different number than one that was contained on his permanent resident status presented at the time of hire. Babco sought clarification on this issue and the reasons for the change. Mr. Diaz failed to respond to this issue for over a month and Babco moved to terminate Mr. Diaz due to his inability to explain the discrepancy in work documents.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with comment from Sean Joyce, an attorney for Babco.
