Labor Day In Essex County: Strikes, 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. 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.

• See Related: Strikes And Rallies In The Workplace: Essex County Year In Review

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).

HEALTH CARE

NJ Nurses Say They're Overworked, Demand 'Safe Staffing' Law

"There will be a time when you or I will be in that bed, and we wish that we have the nursing staff to take care of us."

Nurses Demand New Contract; Hundreds Rally At Belleville Hospital

"When we put our lives on the line during the pandemic, management hailed us as heroes. Now these feel like empty words," a nurse said.

Fed-Up NJ Doctors Reach Tentative New Deal With Rutgers University

The doctors make as little as $15 per hour while working 80-hour weeks. "This really shows the importance of having a union," one said.

Rallies, Outrage In Essex County Over NJ Health Care Hikes

A massive insurance hike is going to slam local budgets and taxpayers. It will also hurt the workers praised as COVID "heroes," some say.

ENFORCEMENT

9 Essex County Companies Got 'Stop-Work' Orders From NJ: What It Means

New Jersey officials released a list that shows the locations of all "stop work" orders issued in the state between July 2019 and July 2023.

Construction Workers Will Get $18K In Missing Pay, Union Says

Six construction workers did a job at an apartment building in Essex County – then got stiffed on their wages, labor leaders say.

OSHA Official In NJ Makes Plea For Workers' Memorial Day 2023: Op-Ed

In New Jersey, 44 workers lost their lives last year. "Honor our fallen workers by doing your part to protect others," an official says.

EDUCATION

Rutgers University Strike: Here’s What It Means

The multi-union action marked the first strike in Rutgers' 257-year history.

School Cafeteria Workers In East Orange Threaten To Strike Over Pay

"I don't want to strike – but if it comes down to it, I will," a longtime cafeteria worker said of the ongoing talks with Sodexo.

Montclair Students Protest Teacher Cuts In School Budget: WATCH

A large crowd of Montclair students attended a board of education meeting, pleading to save their teachers' jobs. They later held a walkout.

TRANSPORTATION

Cargo Workers Strike At Newark Airport Over 'Unfair Labor Practices'

Workers walked off the job at Newark Airport. Swissport has denied their claims, and says it provides "competitive wages and benefits."

Flight Attendants Picket At Newark Airport Ahead Of Holiday Weekend

Flight attendants are outraged over stalled contract talks and working conditions at United, which they say are also impacting travelers.

Pilots Are The Latest Workers To Picket At Newark Airport

A group of frustrated pilots were seen at the airport. Other recent actions have involved flight attendants and lounge/cargo workers.

First Transit In Newark Will Lay Off 289 Workers, Transfers Expected

A layoff notice has been served for nearly 300 First Transit employees in the Essex and Union County region. Here's why, the company said.

NJ Paratransit Workers To Get Pay Bump During States Of Emergency

NJ Transit will have to pay Access Link staff time-and-a-half for working during "states of emergency" such as snowstorms.

RETAIL/RESTAURANTS

Bed Bath And Buybacks: Booker, Warren Push Company On Severance Pay

Two U.S. senators are accusing Bed Bath & Beyond of prioritizing "profits for shareholders" ahead of workers who are losing their jobs.

Montclair Baristas Strike, Accuse Starbucks Of 'Union Busting'

"Rather than publicizing rallies, we encourage Workers United to live up to their obligations," Starbucks countered.

NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT

Gannett Strike: NJ Reporters Bash CEO Over Drop In Local News Coverage

The walkout included several New Jersey newsrooms. Reporters are demanding "reinvestment" in local news and "living wages" for journalists.

Bloomfield Actor, Writer On Hollywood Strikes: 'Greed And Power'

"Hopefully those execs get their heads out of their asses sooner than later." See some other thoughts on the strikes from Kevin Interdonato.

POLITICS/LAWS

NJ Temp Workers Say Tragic Car Crash Shows Urgent Need For Change

The battle lines have been drawn over the "Temporary Workers Bill of Rights" in New Jersey. Here's what you need to know.

NJ Temp Worker 'Bill Of Rights' Survives Court Challenge

A state law that gives some powerful new rights to temp workers in New Jersey has survived an attempt to derail it in the courts.

New Jersey 'Service Workers' Get More Layoff Protections Under New Law

"Every time a contract changes hands, we go through the stress of possibly losing our jobs – this is no way to live."

NJ Domestic Workers Demand More Workplace Rights, Bill Advances

A proposed law would boost nearly 50,000 child care providers, house cleaners, gardeners and other domestic workers in New Jersey.

Newark Activists Demand 'Economic Justice' At May Day Rally

"We felt it was important to add our voice to those demanding economic justice for working people all around the world."

'Excluded' NJ Immigrant Workers To March In Essex County On May Day

Hundreds of immigrant workers plan to take the streets to demand citizenship, COVID relief and job protections.

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