Following Union Rally, Jersey City Council Passes Resolution Supporting 32BJ SEIU Security Officers’ Contract Campaign

Resolution endorses fair pay, quality benefits, and safer conditions for 2,000 security officers protecting New Jersey’s vital institutions.

“When security officers win, public safety wins”

Jersey City, NJ — September 11, 2025 — On Wednesday, September 10, the Jersey City Council passed a resolution endorsing improved standards for security officers represented by 32BJ SEIU. The measure acknowledges the essential role these officers play in safeguarding Jersey City’s office buildings, transit hubs, courts, government buildings, and other vital institutions.

Its passage comes on the heals of September 3 rally and march of 32BJ SEIU security officers in downtown Newark, advocating for a “Bill of Rights” for NJ security officers. The union’s Bill of Rights, a public letter of support for the contract fight, has been signed by U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Rob Menendez, local and state officials. Attendees of the September 3 event 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.

The Jersey City resolution affirms that security officers are entitled to family-sustaining wages that allow them to support their families and keep pace with the rising cost of living. It also recognizes their right to quality benefits that reflect the critical nature of their work, safe and fair workplaces free from harassment, discrimination, and favoritism, as well as the hours, training, and equipment necessary to deliver high-quality public safety services. By formally supporting these rights, Jersey City Council members make it clear that security officers deserve more than just a paycheck—they deserve the dignity, protections, and resources that align with the vital public safety role they perform every day.

“Security officers are on the frontlines of public safety every day—responding to emergencies, preventing violence, and protecting Jersey City’s most important institutions,” said Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “We thank the Jersey City Council for standing with workers and passing this resolution, which affirms that fair pay, quality healthcare, and strong protections are essential for both officers and the communities they protect. When security officers win, public safety wins.”

The Jersey City resolution builds momentum for the security officers ‘campaign across New Jersey.

“Security officers are essential to Jersey City's safety and to the strength of our community,” said James Solomon, Jersey City Councilman. “They protect our hospitals, schools, universities, arenas, transit hubs, and office buildings. Our city simply cannot function without them. By passing this resolution, the Jersey City Council proudly stands with security officers in their call for fair pay, quality benefits, and safe working conditions. Today, we are sending a clear message: Jersey City values and respects the men and women who protect our vital institutions.”

The call for higher standards comes as more than 2,000 private security officers in New Jersey, represented by 32BJ SEIU, are negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, set to expire on September 15, 2025. All parties are working in good faith to reach an agreement. 32BJ SEIU and the unionized private security industry have successfully collaborated for over a decade to improve conditions and raise standards for thousands of officers.

Security officers—who safeguard transit hubs, office buildings, courts, and government buildings in Jersey City—are advocating for meaningful raises, the preservation of their health benefits, additional paid time off, training opportunities, and legal protections. They argue that the current cost-of-living crisis, combined with low wages, high turnover, and unsafe working conditions, make securing a strong contract more urgent than ever. Workers contend that better pay and protections are critical to ensuring stability and public safety.

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