Labor Day In Essex County: Strikes, Protests And Workplace Rights

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.

Observed the first Monday in September, Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. 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,” the U.S. Department of Labor says.

Membership in labor unions has remained relatively steady in New Jersey over the past decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In 2024, the state’s 682,000 union members accounted for 16.2 percent of its wage and salary workers – a rate that is above the national average (article continues below).

Workplace issues are weighing on the minds of many American employees, a recent study from WalletHub found. According to researchers, seven in 10 people say they’re working harder this year than last year, 94 percent want a raise to keep up with inflation, and two in five Americans are concerned that artificial intelligence will take their jobs.

Some Essex County residents say they’re getting fed up with the status quo – and are planning to make their voices heard.

A “Workers Over Billionaires” Labor Day rally is planned for 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Roseland Avenue in Caldwell on Monday, Sept. 1.

Here’s why protesters will be hitting the streets, organizers said:

“Labor and community, along with Indivisible and other partners, are planning more than a barbecue on Labor Day this year because we have to stop the billionaire takeover. Billionaires are converting the government into their private slush fund and just passed the largest wealth giveaway in the history of the US. The money they take from working families, they put in billionaires’ pockets and set aside to fund a private army of ICE agents. Just like any bad boss, the way we stop the takeover is with collective action. We are ordinary citizens and working people rising up to stop the billionaire takeover–not just through the ballot box or the courts, but through building a bigger and stronger movement.”

ESSEX COUNTY ROUNDUP

The fight for a better, fairer workplace has continued in Essex County over the past year, with several labor disputes making news headlines – including major dockworker and train engineer strikes.

Catch up with some recent local stories below (click headlines to read the article):

Dockworker Strike Suspended; Ports In NJ, NY Revving Up Again

They're going back to work – for now. Meanwhile, items like toilet paper have been flying off the shelves in New Jersey and New York.

Striking Train Engineers Picket Outside NJ Transit Headquarters

Riders who transfer from NJ Transit rail to PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station are among those impacted by the strike.

Labor Standoff Continues In South Orange-Maplewood Schools

Frustrated teachers marched in South Orange and showed up to speak at a board of education meeting in Maplewood.

East Orange Schools Will Cut Nearly 100 Jobs, Angry Protest Ensues

The layoffs were announced Wednesday. The next day, the district was put on a half-day schedule due to "unforeseen circumstances."

NJ Lawmakers Back Nurses In Labor Battle At Clara Maass Hospital

New Jersey's largest health care provider continues to duke it out with hundreds of unionized nurses in Belleville.

Contract Talks At Newark Hospital Stall Over Nurse-To-Patient Ratios

The union wants more nurses-per-patient at University Hospital, one of the busiest medical centers in North Jersey.

Major U.S. Airline Reaches Deal With Thousands Of Flight Attendants After Strike Threats

United has reportedly reached a deal with thousands of flight attendants, who have been threatening to strike if their demands aren't met.

Airline Workers Plan To Rally In Essex County To Protest Staffing Switch

United Airlines is planning to swap out a contractor at Newark Airport with United Ground Express, the company's wholly owned subsidiary.

Uber, Lyft Drivers Plan To Rally In New Jersey For Better Pay And Benefits

Rideshare drivers are holding a demonstration in Trenton. Shuttle buses will run from Newark and Edison.

Attempt To Unionize Apple Store At Short Hills Mall Fails: Reports

Union leaders in New Jersey accused Apple of illegal anti-union efforts – a claim the computer giant has denied, reports say.

NJ Activists Rally On Budget: ‘We Want Justice, Tax The Rich’

"We've been told to sacrifice more: work longer hours, pay higher taxes, stretch our families thinner. But when do THEY sacrifice?"

Belleville School District Faces 2 Lawsuits Alleging Harassment: Report

Four female supervisors claim that another administrator made sexual comments to them. Another staff member supported their allegations.

Montclair State Faces Discrimination Claims From Female Executives

The women are accusing their employer of failing to protect them from a "toxic, sexist and retaliatory" work environment.

Essex County Detective Accuses Supervisors Of Gender Discrimination

A detective says her supervisors spread rumors that she's a lesbian, interfered with her investigations and created a hostile workplace.

Newark Library Workers Demand New Contract: ‘Pride Doesn’t Pay The Bills’

Staff members are leaving Newark to take better-paying jobs in East Orange, Jersey City, Millburn and New York City, their union reported.

Bloomfield School Aide Sues District, Claims She Was Fired For Protecting Special Ed Students

A school aide claims that she blew the whistle out of concern for special education students – and ended up losing her job.

Caldwell Cop Launches ‘Retaliation’ Lawsuit Against Town Officials

A police captain in Caldwell alleges that he was on the track to become the next chief – until he began asking the wrong questions.

Rutgers Settles $1.2M Lawsuit With Ex-Police Sergeant: Report

A former sergeant alleges that he was fired in retaliation after reporting misconduct within the Rutgers-Newark police department.

Racial Diversity Of West Orange Police Questioned At Town Meeting

"This town talks a good game about inclusion – I am asking you to practice what you preach," an attorney for a local officer said.

Montclair Sued Over Retaliation Claims – Again: Reports

The town's affirmative action officer says he was retaliated against after he affirmed other employees' claims of discrimination.

Injured Essex County Prison Guard, Mother Facing Financial Catastrophe

A correctional officer in North Jersey was injured on duty. She has been struggling to pay her bills ever since.

Gannett Reaches Deal With Some NJ Reporters, Walkout Looms For Others

Journalists at several newspapers in New Jersey and New York agreed to a new contract – but another large newsroom might walk off the job.

How Much Money Do NJ Journalists Make? Media Center Releases New Survey

Here's the median salary for a journalist in New Jersey, a survey from the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University found.

NJ Bill Would Open More Job Programs To People With Disabilities

A proposed state law in New Jersey would create more job opportunities for people with disabilities, its sponsors say.

Internship Or Exploitation? Attorney Warns NJ Youth About 5 ‘Red Flags’

"Interns often feel powerless, but they do have rights – especially if the company is benefiting significantly from their work."

NJ Bill Would Ban ‘Captive Audience’ Meetings Against Unionizing

Forcing workers to sit through a one-sided meeting against unions gives bosses way too much of an advantage, these lawmakers say.

NJ Temporary Worker ‘Bill Of Rights’ Survives Another Court Challenge

The law beefs up job protections for "temp workers" in New Jersey. It has seen jeers from business groups – and cheers from labor advocates.

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