After months of organizing, multiple rallies, countless building visits and membership meetings, , more than 2,000 private security officers represented by 32BJ SEIU have reached a tentative agreement with their employers, Allied Universal and Securitas. The deal averts a potential strike that would have impacted some of New Jersey’s most iconic buildings.

The tentative agreement, reached Monday afternoon, marks a transformative victory for officers who have been working under an expired contract since mid-September. The contract is scheduled for ratification by members on Wednesday, October 30.

“This is a win built by the courage and unity of our members,” said Ana María Hill, New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “For months, these officers stood up, spoke out, and made it clear that they would not back down until they were treated with dignity and respect. Their fight has raised the standard for thousands of workers who keep our state safe.”

Key Gains in the Tentative Agreement:

• Historic wage increases of up to 29.41% over four years for officers previously earning the $17/hour minimum, and a $4 per hour increase over four years for those earning above the minimum — to bring the average median wage to $23.65 an hour
• Improved paid holidays
• protected high quality health benefits with no cost sharing

From University Hospital—where officers daily face the threat of violence and medical crises—to major sites such as Audible, Prudential Tower, NJPAC, and Seton Hall Law School, workers united through rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and community outreach to demand fair treatment from multi-billion-dollar corporations.

“We showed New Jersey what solidarity looks like,” said Najee Wagstaff, an Allied Universal officer at University Hospital. “We protect the public every day. Now, we’ve secured a contract that reflects the value we bring.”

“This contract gives us not just better pay, but the respect we’ve been fighting for,” added Elis Fraguada, another University Hospital officer with Allied Universal.

The agreement follows multiple bargaining sessions and unprecedented member mobilization that sent a clear message: officers are unified, organized and ready to fight for dignity.

Hill added: “When security officers win, public safety wins. This victory is proof that organizing works, and that when workers stand together, even global corporations have to listen.”

###

32BJ SEIU represents a total of 2,500 security officers in New Jersey.