New Jersey Celebrates Labor Day 2018, Workers Keep Fighting

Barbecues will fire up across New Jersey on Monday, Sept. 3 for Labor Day, as those celebrating the holiday weekend prepare for a final, end-of-summer fling. But as you reach into the cooler for another drink, remember what got you a day off work in the first place… the labor movement.

Labor Day, which falls on the first Monday in September, is dedicated to “the social and economic achievements of American workers,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

• See related article: 5 Things To Know About Labor Day

While the exact origins of the holiday are somewhat murky, its roots date back to municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886, the DOL writes.

“The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy,” the DOL states. “It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.”

Catch up on some labor-related stories that took place in New Jersey over the past year below. Have your own labor success (or struggle) story that took place this year? Tell us about it in the comments section.

>> See the Labor Day weekend weather forecast for New Jersey here

Supreme Court Ruling Is 'Sad Day' For New Jersey Families, Unions Say

Should a labor union be able to collect fees from a worker who doesn't want to kick in? The U.S. Supreme Court's answer to that question is expected to change the way unions operate across the nation, including in New Jersey.

Verizon, Workers Ink New Deal, Move Forward From Massive Strike

More than 34,000 Verizon workers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions – including thousands in New Jersey – will get higher wages and better retirement benefits as part of a new, four-year contract, union leaders recently announced. And this time, it didn't take a gargantuan strike to get things done.

Bergen Company Illegally Slashed Workers Wages, Union Says

Nemco allegedly slashed the workers' wages from $14.75 to $8.75 an hour, according to a complaint from the National Labor Relations Board.

3 Union County McDonald's Hit With Child Labor Violation Fines

Locations in Union, Bergen, Passaic, and Morris counties were fined for allegedly having 14- and 15-year-olds work too many hours on school nights.

Murphy Still Wants To Raise New Jersey Minimum Wage (But When?)

It's impossible to put food on the table and keep the lights on when you're making $8.60 an hour, New Jersey workers told Phil Murphy.

Jersey City Teachers Strike Over Healthcare Costs

The teachers had been working under an expired contract. Healthcare contributions have been the main sticking point.

Newark Airport Workers: 'We're Treated Like 2nd Class Citizens'

VIDEO: Catering workers with United Airlines marched for 12 hours outside of Newark Airport. Find out why they're protesting.

St. Barnabas Nurses Reject Hospital Offer Over 'Staffing Issues'

Nurses at St. Barnabas Medical Center – represented by Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1091 – rejected a contract at the hospital over staffing issues that they claim are still not being addressed in a "meaningful way."

NJ Nursing Home Workers To Strike In Linden

AristaCare at Delaire Nursing Home workers planned to march on a picket line in protest of unfair labor practices and significant cuts to job standards.

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Photo via 32BJ SEIU (union members on strike at Newark Airport)