Newark Workers Allegedly Fired For Union Activity Reach Settlement: SEIU

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark-based security company has reportedly reached an out-of-court settlement agreement with several security officers who claimed they were illegally terminated from their job at the Newark Housing Authority because of their union affiliation.

According to 32BJ-SEIU, the union representing the employees, the workers’ former employer, Roman Security, agreed to pay the affected workers “tens of thousands of dollars in back pay.”

Roman Security admitted no wrongdoing under the terms of the settlement agreement. When reached via phone, a company employee declined to comment for this article.

The union stated that it filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) two years ago after a pair of contracted security officers at the Newark Housing Authority were allegedly terminated after they engaged in union activity by circulating a petition.

The union also alleged that Roman Security refused to hire union employees who were working at 744 Broad Street in Newark before the company took over the contract there in 2016.

Shortly afterwards, seven other workers were hired at a reduced pay rate, the union stated.

“I struggled to make ends meet after I was abruptly and illegally fired days after I filled out a union questionnaire,” said Kariymah Barrion, a single mother from Newark. “It’s so gratifying to see that our long fight for justice has finally paid off.”

“This settlement agreement isn’t just about money, it’s about workers’ rights,” said Kevin Brown, 32BJ vice president and NJ state director.

“No worker should be illegally fired or denied a job because of their union affiliation,” Brown said. “That’s why 32BJ filed a complaint against Roman Security with the National Labor Relations Board. We’re thrilled Roman Security decided to settle this amicably out of court and make the workers whole for their losses. We look forward to working cooperatively with Roman in the future to ensure workers’ rights.”

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Photo: 32BJ