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 highest-profile buildings.
The tentative agreement was reached Monday afternoon and scheduled for ratification on Oct. 30. Officers have been working without a contract since mid-September. The union said the tentative accord includes the highest pay raises for security officers in the history of 32BJ SEIU’s New Jersey district.
“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.”
The tentative agreement contains 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; more paid holidays; and protected high quality health benefits with no cost sharing.
Officers work at buildings in Newark such as University Hospital, Audible, Prudential Tower, NJPAC and Seton Hall Law School.
“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.
32BJ SEIU represents a total of 2,500 security officers in New Jersey.
