New Jersey Workers Continue Fight In 2017: Labor Day News Roundup

Quick quiz… why do we celebrate Labor Day in the United States?

We’ll save you the Google search. Here’s what the U.S. Department of Labor has to say about the meaning of the holiday, which lands on Monday, Sept. 4 this year.

“Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

With that thought in mind, check out some of the year’s labor-related stories in New Jersey below (click headlines to read).

New Jersey AT&T Workers Join Massive Weekend Strike

AT&T wireless workers in 36 states, including New Jersey, will walk off the job this weekend. Find out why they're striking.

Workers Picket Shore Beer Distributor After Lockout

One establishment has said it will stand with the workers and won't purchase from Shore Point during the lockout.

New Jersey Nursing Home Workers Avert Planned Strike At 3 Facilities

“A lack of staff is making it difficult to provide the quality care that residents need,” workers at three New Jersey facilities said.

Newark ‘Day Without Immigrants’ Strike: International Workers’ Day 2017

Immigrant rights groups and supporters in Newark will rally to “demonstrate that the country depends on the labor of immigrants."

Police Union Reportedly Rejects Layoff Plan — By 1 Vote

The labor deal would have avoided the proposed layoff of 26 officers and demotion of 11 others.

Rutgers Unions File Charges With Federal Govt. Over Payment Debate

Unions representing librarians, doctors, housekeepers and scientists at Rutgers say they are owed one week of pay.

Fight For Living Wage Continues At New Jersey Airport

The protesting airport workers said they earn just $10.20 per hour.

Nurses' Strike Possible At Southern Ocean Medical Center , Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Nurses want better staffing for all units and better health insurance coverage.

Christie Vetoes Pay Raise For Hoboken Terminal Workers

Union: “With the stroke of his veto pen, Christie has chosen to leave thousands of hardworking people and their families in abject poverty.”

May Day 2017 Protest Rallies N.J. Immigrant Community

The May Day 2017 rally took place at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

153 Essex County Construction Workers Will Get Back Pay, Damages

A trio of New Jersey companies allegedly violated the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime and recordkeeping provisions.

N.J. Janitors Get $600K Check, Celebrate Union-Backed Settlement

Moral victories are important when you’re a janitor struggling to make ends meet. But sometimes a big, fat check doesn’t hurt, either.

Newark Teachers Union Agrees To New Contract, Salary Increases

The contract will also raise pay rates for aides to $15 per hour and give extra prep time for elementary teachers in Newark's public schools

Wayne Police Under Pressure To Get High Number Of Tickets, Arrests, Police Union Says

Union President Al Sanagorski says the pressure is 'having a very negative impact' on neighborhoods and township youth.

West Orange Teachers, BOE Reach Contract Agreement

A heated contract negotiation session between West Orange school staff and administrators may have reached an end, officials say.

Send news tips and feedback to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Main Photo: Jenelle Blackmon, CWA rally in Hoboken, May 19, 2017