Strikes And Workplace Rights: Essex County 2023 Year In Review

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Labor unions across New Jersey – including Essex County – were seen flexing their new muscles and putting the power of organized labor to work in 2023.

Catch up with a few examples of strikes, work stoppages and rallies that took place across Essex County this year (click the headlines to read the article).

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."

Striking Nurses Rally In Essex County Outside Home Of Hospital CEO

Nurses at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital have been striking for higher staffing levels and salary increases.

Thousands Of NJ Cleaning Workers Willing To Strike For Contract: Union

These cleaning workers in New Jersey want a raise, more job security and affordable health care. And they're willing to strike to get it.

NJ 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.

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."

Montclair Baristas Strike, Accuse Starbucks Of 'Union Busting'

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

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.

Newark, East Orange Nursing Home Workers Push For 'Safe Staffing'

"Nursing home workers, patients and families deserve better," a supporter said.

NJIT Faculty Union Threatens Strike Over Stalled Contract Talk: UPDATE

Educators and researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology say they want the same pay hike as their peers at Rutgers University.

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.

Flight Attendants Picket At Newark Airport Ahead Of Busy Holiday

VIDEO: Dozens of unionized flight attendants employed with United Airlines showed up for a demonstration at Newark Airport.

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

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

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.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.