NEWARK, N.J. — In a significant development for the security industry in New Jersey, approximately 2,000 security officers and their employers have reached a tentative four-year contract agreement, averting a potential strike that threatened to leave numerous locations unsecured.
The agreement was announced late Wednesday following a crucial vote by union members at Essex County College in Newark, reports NJ.com.
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The officers, represented by Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), had been poised to vote on a strike authorization, with a possible walkout looming just days away. However, the successful ratification of the deal forestalled any disruption.
Although the union did not disclose the exact vote count, the successful negotiation signals a win for both the officers and their employers.
Contract Details for Security Officers: Pay Raises and Key Agreement Highlights
The contract was reached after months of intermittent negotiations between the union and major employers, Allied Universal Security Services and Securitas, two of the world’s largest security contractors.
The agreement includes historic pay hikes, as described by the union, with wage increases of up to 29.41% over the contract’s duration for those earning the minimum wage of $17 an hour. For workers earning above the minimum, a $4-per-hour raise will be implemented over the four years, elevating the average hourly wage to $23.65.In addition to the significant pay raises, the contract ensures improved paid holidays and high-quality health benefits without cost-sharing.
The pay increases are significantly higher than the $37,500 median yearly starting salary for most school, university and hospital security officers, according to the 2025 Campus Safety Salary and Benefits Benchmark Survey that was released last month.
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This agreement comes after the previous collective bargaining agreement expired on September 15, prompting union demonstrations, including an October 22 rally outside University Hospital in Newark.
Union Negotiations in the Security Industry: Impact on the New Jersey Workforce
Local 32BJ of SEIU, headquartered in Newark, is a key player in securing office towers and large institutions across New Jersey. The union represents a vital workforce that not only ensures safety but also maintains cleanliness in numerous facilities. During the negotiations, union janitors pledged solidarity, vowing to honor picket lines, which would have left buildings unsecured and unclean in the event of a strike.
