NEWARK - Today, hundreds of security officers rallied and marched from Military Park in Newark to demand recognition of their critical role in safeguarding New Jersey’s public safety. The action came as Senator Booker, local and state officials signed onto a Security Bill of Rights affirming officers’ right to family-sustaining wages, quality benefits, safe workplaces free from harassment and discrimination, and sufficient training and resources to provide top-quality security services.

Attendees included: Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, Senator Angela McKnight, Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker, Newark Council President Lawrence Crump, Jersey City Councilmember James Solomon, Essex County Commissioner Wayne Richardson, Jersey City Ward D Council Candidate Veronica Akaezuwa, SEIU 1199, Working Families Party and CWA 1037.

32BJ SEIU Vice President Ana Maria Hill said: “We have not done enough to recognize the core role security officers play in our public safety infrastructure. Private security officers are on the frontline of every type of emergency. Fires, terrorism, health emergencies, random acts of violence, public disorder, active shooters. The passage of the city resolutions today is an important step toward recognizing that essential role. All security officers deserve family sustaining wages, quality benefits, workplaces free from harassment, discrimination and favoritism, and sufficient hours, training and materials to provide quality services to clients and tenants. When security officers win, public safety wins.”

Michael Olugade, 32BJ member and New Jersey security officer at a pharmaceutical industry building said: "Right now, our pay does not reflect our responsibilities. When there is a fire, a medical emergency, violence – I am there. 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. We’re asking for respect."

Celeste Fernandez 32BJ and New Jersey security officer at a hospital said: “Last year I had to move out of my apartment and for a whole year I was living in a shelter. 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. All we’re asking is to be able to survive in a world we cannot afford. Alongside my 32BJ brothers and sisters we will continue to fight for the respect we deserve as security officers. We need to make progress and continue to lift the standard of living for the security officers who play such an essential role in keeping the public and our buildings safe. There is a lot of responsibility on our shoulders. At the hospital I work at, if there’s any issue, we the security officers are called on. If someone gets violent, if medical staff are being harmed or threatened. We are there. Everything is our responsibility.”

The rally also commemorated 32BJ member Aland Etienne, a New Jersey security officer who was tragically killed in the July 28 Midtown Manhattan shooting. Workers emphasized the dangers security officers face.

The endorsement of the Security Bill of Rights comes as more than 2,000 private security officers in New Jersey, represented by 32BJ SEIU, negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement set to expire September 15, 2025. All parties are working in good faith to come to an agreement. 32BJ SEIU and the unionized private security industry have successfully worked together for over a decade to raise standards for thousands of officers.

Security officers—who safeguard hospitals, universities, office buildings, cultural centers, and government sites in Newark—are demanding real raises, the protection of their health benefits, more paid time off, training benefits, and legal benefits. They say the cost-of-living crisis, combined with low pay, high turnover, and unsafe working conditions, makes a strong contract more urgent than ever. Workers argue that better pay and protections are critical for stability and public safety.