Labor Day 2024 In Essex County: Protests, Pickets And Worker Rights

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When you’re grilling a burger or relaxing with the family this Labor Day weekend in New Jersey, don’t forget the folks who brought you the holiday in the first place: the U.S. workers’ movement.

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers, including those who are members of unions. The holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the contributions that workers have made to America’s “strength, prosperity and well-being,” the U.S. Department of Labor says.

In New Jersey, union members accounted for 16.1 percent of wage and salary workers in 2023, compared with 14.9 percent in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

New Jersey has consistently seen above-average union membership, as compared to national totals, the labor bureau notes:

“The union membership rate for [New Jersey] was at its peak in 1991, when it averaged 24.3 percent, and at its low point in 2018 and 2022 at 14.9 percent. Nationwide, union members accounted for 10 percent of employed wage and salary workers in 2023. The rate was little changed from the previous year. Since 1989, when comparable state data became available, union membership rates in New Jersey have been at least 4 percentage points above the U.S. average.”

“New Jersey had 679,000 union members in 2023, the highest level since 721,000 members were reported in 2009,” the bureau reported (article continues below).

Union membership isn't the only way that Garden State employees have been taking action in the workplace.

Other labor-related battles that have impacted New Jersey residents include minimum wage, overtime pay and several state laws that beef up job protection for vulnerable workers:

• Thousands More New Jersey Workers Now Qualify For Overtime Pay
• Battle Over Hot Workplace Law Ignites In NJ As Sweltering Summer Nears
• NJ Temporary Worker ‘Bill Of Rights’ Survives Another Court Challenge
• NJ Sees Huge Spike In Number Of Workers Postponing Retirement: Study
• New Jersey Workers Should Know These 4 Rights On The Job (VIDEOS)
• NJ Businesses That ‘Threaten’ Immigrant Workers Will Face Penalties
• New Job Protections Start For NJ Domestic Workers (What To Know)
• New Jersey ‘Service Workers’ Get More Layoff Protections Under New Law
• NJ Farmworkers Are Being Cheated By Unfair Pay Laws, Suit Claims
• Is NJ Ready For A 32 Hour Workweek? It Could Happen – Here’s How
• NJ Raises Minimum Wage To $15 – But It Still Isn’t Enough To Live On

YEAR IN REVIEW: ESSEX COUNTY

What's been happening in the workplace lately in Essex County? Catch up with some of our recent labor and workplace stories below (click headlines to read the article).

Airport Workers Rally For Minimum Wage Hike In Essex County

With Wall Street booming and corporate profits soaring, it's time to raise pay for the workers who make it possible, advocates say.

Flight Attendants Threaten Nationwide Strike, Picket In Essex County

Flight attendants with United Airlines have cleared a takeoff lane to walk off the job. Here's what they're demanding – and what comes next.

NJIT Reaches Tentative Deal With Staff After Threat Of Strike

"These are the kind of transformative changes that simply can't be won just sitting at a bargaining table," a union spokesperson said.

It's A Deal: Teacher Union In NJ's Largest City Agrees On New Contract

These teachers are getting a raise.

Police Union Declares ‘No Confidence’ At Essex County Prison

Supervisors at the largest county prison in New Jersey say they're fed up with the way the jail is being run – here's why.

Attempt To Unionize Apple Store At Short Hills Mall Falls Short

Union leaders in New Jersey accused Apple of illegal anti-union efforts – a claim the computer giant has denied, reports say.

Beer Workers Picket Outside Anheuser-Busch Brewery In Essex County

The maker of Budweiser and other popular beers has a "harsh reality" awaiting them if workers go on strike, the Teamsters say.

Study Probes Diversity In NJ Newsrooms: Race, Gender, Pay, Turnover

Newsrooms across the United States haven't reflected their communities for decades, a study says. Is the tide turning in New Jersey?

Essex County Companies Cheated Workers Of Overtime, Must Pay $600K: Feds

Two Essex County-based construction companies have been ordered to pay $600,000 in back wages and liquidated damages to 131 former employees.

‘Shortchanged’ Workers At NJ Airport Win Back Wages: NJDOL

More than 800 workers will get $2.2 million in back wages returned to their wallets, state officials said.

‘Too Hot’: Catering Drivers At Newark Airport Demand Workplace Changes

"We can't afford to be impaired because it's too hot – there is no margin for error on the tarmac."

NJ Medical Marijuana User Illegally Denied Job After Drug Test: AG

"I believe there are protections afforded me under the law," a job candidate told a company. He didn't hear back from them, prosecutors say.

Labor Strife Flares Up Again At Hospital In Essex County

"Nurses are not asking for the moon," said Rep. Andy Kim, whose mother worked as a nurse. Here's what hospital administrators have to say.

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