ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — When you're grilling a burger or relaxing with the family this Labor Day weekend in Essex County, don't forget the folks who brought you the holiday in the first place: the U.S. workers' movement.
Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. Observed the first Monday in September, the holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when union activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the contributions that workers have made to America's "strength, prosperity and well-being."
In 2025, union members accounted for an estimated 14.7 percent of wage and salary workers in New Jersey, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported – higher than the national average of 10 percent.
A new study from the Labor Education Action Research Network (LEARN) at Rutgers University found that New Jersey remains one of the most heavily unionized states in the nation headed into Labor Day 2026.
"The labor movement in New Jersey is still going strong in the face of incredible challenges," said Todd Vachon, an assistant professor at Rutgers.
ESSEX COUNTY ROUNDUP
The fight for a better, fairer workplace has continued in Essex County and New Jersey over the past year, with several labor disputes making news headlines.
Some battles have taken place on the state level, including a lawsuit against the largest private employer in the state: Amazon.
Last October, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General filed a complaint in state superior court, accusing the company of trying to drive pregnant employees and workers with disabilities out of its workforce. An Amazon spokesperson disputed the state's allegations, saying that they are "simply not true."
In July, state prosecutors announced that hundreds of truck drivers will split a combined $2.2 million from a recently settled lawsuit. Prosecutors had alleged that the Essex County-based companies misclassified hundreds of truckers as "independent contractors" instead of staff employees – cheating them out of wages, benefits and job protections.
Other labor disputes have played out between unions and some of the largest employers in the region.
Earlier this year, an arm wrestling match took place between New Jersey American Water and a local chapter of the Utility Workers Union of America, which represents workers who support service in Essex County and other parts of the state. Nearly 400 workers threatened to strike before the two sides reached a deal.
More labor upheaval has taken place at Newark Airport, where some workers have been worried about losing health care benefits – and hundreds of others have lost their jobs.
Other disputes have included a back-and-forth between two of the world's largest security contractors – Allied Universal and Securitas – and more than 2,000 security guards employed at hospitals, universities, office buildings, cultural centers and government sites throughout New Jersey, including in Essex County. A deal was eventually reached that included a wage increase.
"This victory is proof that organizing works, and that when workers stand together, even global corporations have to listen," an organizer said (article continues below).
Want more Labor Day news? Catch up with some of our other recent stories involving the workplace below (click headlines to read the article):
These 88 Corporations Paid Zero Federal Income Taxes Last Year, Report Says
Meanwhile, many New Jersey residents are struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, health care and food, polls say.
NJ Lawmakers Battle To Raise Minimum Wage, Critics Argue $25 Per Hour Is 'Socialist'
Supporters point to widening wealth gaps and soaring corporate profits. Opponents say it would "crush small businesses."
Fed-Up NJ Construction Workers Rally Over Stalled Train Tunnel: 'It Sucks, Man'
Hundreds of fed-up construction workers rallied in North Jersey.
Essex County Protesters Will Rally For 'Workers Over Billionaires' On May Day
Organizers are also calling for people to avoid shopping or going to work.
These CEOs Are Making Bank–And Vastly Outearning Their NJ Workers, Study Finds
The pay gap between executives and workers at these 100 corporations keeps growing. Several have deep ties to New Jersey.
NJ Teachers Are Facing Hefty Pay Gap Compared To Other College Grads, Study Finds
Teachers across the nation are earning nearly 25% less than workers with similar college degrees. Here are the numbers for New Jersey.
'Tax The Rich': NJ Labor Advocates Rally In Essex County As Budget Season Heats Up
There's a solution to New Jersey's $3 billion budget gap, activists say: hike taxes on the state's wealthiest businesses and residents.
Library Workers In Essex County City Demand New Contract: 'Pride Doesn't Pay The Bills'
Staff members are leaving the city to take better-paying jobs nearby, their union reported.
NJ Working Families Can't Keep Up With Skyrocketing Inflation, Report Finds
Many "ALICE" families in New Jersey work full-time, but their jobs don't pay enough to keep their heads above water, researchers said.
400K More NJ Workers Now Qualify For Family Leave
The law guarantees employees time off work to bond with a new child or care for a very sick family member.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Newark Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.