Frustrated Security Guards Rally In Newark For More Pay, Better Benefits

NEWARK, NJ — Celeste Fernandez was forced to move out of her apartment and live in a shelter for a year. Michael Olugade has worked three jobs at a time to support his family, watching as inflation swallowed up any pay raises he earned. These are just two out of more than 2,000 security officers who are struggling to make ends meet in New Jersey – and they deserve better, their union says.

On Wednesday, hundreds of security officers rallied and marched in Newark to demand better pay and benefits as they fight for a new work agreement.

The protesting workers – who are affiliated with 32BJ SEIU – are employed with a group of several private companies in New Jersey. Together, they “safeguard hospitals, universities, office buildings, cultural centers and government sites,” the union said.

Their current contract expires on Sept. 15, with negotiations reportedly continuing in “good faith.”

According to 32BJ SEIU, the security officers are calling for “real raises, the protection of their health benefits, more paid time off, training benefits and legal benefits.”

Union spokespeople said that the high cost of living and low pay and “unsafe working conditions” have led to a 57 percent turnover rate in the industry. Their proposal? A “bill of rights” for security officers made up of four main demands:

• “family sustaining wages”
• “quality benefits”
• “workplaces free from harassment, discrimination and favoritism”
• “sufficient hours, training and materials to provide quality services to clients and tenants”

During Wednesday’s rally, workers pointed to Aland Etienne – a New Jersey security officer who was tragically killed in a Midtown Manhattan shooting last July – as one of the dangers they face on the job. See Related: 4 Killed In Midtown NYC Mass Shooting (What We Know)

“Right now, our pay does not reflect our responsibilities,” said Olugade, a security officer who works at a pharmaceutical industry building.

“When there is a fire, a medical emergency, violence – I am there,” Olugade said. “But we are not keeping up with the cost of living. Every time I go to the grocery store, prices go up. I pay $3,000 per month for a two bedroom. I’ve had to work three jobs, a total of 100 hours per week to support my family with the necessities.”

“Any wage increases I get would go straight to my kids, for food, nothing more – not even clothing,” Olugade added.

Fernandez, a security officer at a hospital, also pushed for more pay.

Last year I had to move out of my apartment and for a whole year I was living in a shelter,” Fernandez said. “I’m not the only one, I have colleagues who don’t have stable housing – while supporting their families and kids.”

“We’re asking for respect and better standards not because we’re greedy, but because we are going through things,” Fernandez continued. “All we’re asking is to be able to survive in a world we cannot afford.”

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