Hudson County Board of Commissioners Votes to Support 32BJ SEIU Security Officers’ Campaign for Stronger Standards

Resolution urges fair compensation, quality benefits, and safer workplaces for 2,000 security officers across New Jersey.

“When security officers win, public safety wins”

Hudson County, NJ — September 12, 2025 — On Thursday, September 11, the Hudson County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution backing higher standards for private security officers represented by 32BJ SEIU. This resolution highlights the critical role these workers play in protecting Hudson County’s hospitals, universities, transit hubs, office buildings, courthouses, government facilities, and other vital institutions.

The vote follows a September 3 rally in downtown Newark where hundreds of security officers and supporters called for a “Bill of Rights” that would guarantee stronger protections and fair treatment on the job. That call to action has drawn broad support, including endorsements from U.S. Senator Cory Booker, Congressman Rob Menendez, and multiple local and state leaders.

By passing the measure, Hudson County affirmed that security officers deserve wages that can sustain a family, comprehensive benefits that reflect the importance of their work, and safe, respectful workplaces. Commissioners also emphasized the need for adequate staffing, training, and resources so officers can provide the best possible protection to the public.

“Security officers are an indispensable part of our public safety system,” said Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “They are often the first to respond in moments of crisis and are relied on every day to keep our hospitals, transit hubs, and community spaces secure. We thank the Hudson County Board of Commissioners for standing with security officers and approving this resolution, which affirms their fight for fair pay, strong healthcare, and safe working conditions. When these officers are supported, everyone in our communities’ benefits.”

The resolution comes at a pivotal moment: more than 2,000 private security officers in New Jersey, represented by 32BJ SEIU, are in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement set to expire on September 15, 2025. For over a decade, the union and security contractors have worked together to improve industry standards, but officers say rising costs and unsafe conditions make the need for progress more urgent than ever.

“Our county runs on the commitment of security officers,” said Commissioner William “Bill” O’Dea. “They safeguard from our hospitals and schools to our transit systems and workplaces. Their work is essential, yet too often it goes unseen. With this resolution, we are making it clear that Hudson County values these officers and their right to fair wages, good benefits, and safe conditions on the job. Supporting them is not only the right thing to do, but also an investment in the safety and well-being of all our residents.”

Security officers are pushing for meaningful raises, the preservation of health benefits, paid time off, training opportunities, and strong legal protections. They argue that without improvements, low wages and high turnover will continue to undermine both stability and public safety.

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