Labor Day In Essex County: Saluting Workers And Their Struggles

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Are you planning to sit back and have a beer – or two – this holiday weekend in Essex County? You share something in common with the folks who celebrated the first-ever Labor Day, officials say.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the first holiday took place in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882. On that fateful day – which almost ended in disaster – there were speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars and “lager beer kegs... mounted in every conceivable place.”

Learn more about the first Labor Day.

In Essex County – just a short trip away from where it all began – local workers have been having an eventful year. Catch up on some recent on-the-job labor stories below.

Massive Union Campaign Kicks Off Labor Day In Essex County

32BJ SEIU is trying to bargain better contracts for 7,000 cleaners and janitors in NJ. A rally/march will take place in Newark on Sept. 2.

Union Workers, City Officials Blast Contractor At Ironside Newark

Some say the $80M building is a symbol of empowerment. But the people cleaning and guarding it earn as little as $10.50, union leaders say.

Essex County Commits To Union Labor For $38M Parking Decks

Parking decks at the Turtle Back Zoo and the Essex County Hall of Records Complex will be built with union labor, officials said.

$30M Facelift At West Caldwell Tech School; Union Labor To Be Used

A $30M makeover of the Essex County School of Technology in West Caldwell will be done with the hands of unionized workers, officials said.

Union, Newark Housing Authority Clash After 50 Workers Lose Jobs

"I have 4 kids to support," one of the affected workers said. "And now, after being an officer for 12 years, I'm out of a job."

Climb To Nation's Highest Minimum Wage Begins At NJ, NY Airports

A historic pay boost at Newark, JFK and LaGuardia airports has begun. Soon, 40,000 workers at the three airports will earn $19 per hour.

NJ Warehouse Workers Say Amazon Jobs Are 'Unsafe, Grueling'

"Come take a tour and see for yourself," Amazon said, challenging workers' claims that their $15 per hour warehouse jobs are "exploitative."

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