According to the report authored by representatives of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, which organized the Dec. 6 event, security officers for private companies statewide make an average of $11.74 an hour with few benefits.

An article from WBGO News profiles private security officer Michael Thomas, who has worked in security for more than 20 years and makes $8.50 an hour, requiring him to supplement his income and support his family with a job as a pizza deliveryman.

Another private security officer profiled in The Star-Ledger – Andre Lugo, 30, of Newark – says he has had to forego doctor and dentist appointments because he cannot afford them and his employer does not provide health insurance.

However, Rahaman Muhammad, the president of Local 617 of the SEIU, called Booker’s support for security officers’ collective bargaining rights hypocritical, given that City Hall employs private security officers as well, the article notes. Muhammad called Booker’s endorsement a political ploy intended to win over critical union support.

The article also reports that Booker says he would initiate discussions with companies that supply the officers to city facilities and other sites within Newark in the hopes of getting them to agree to provide better pay and benefits for officers. He cited earlier successes – saying his administration had secured better wages for custodians and other employees working at city facilities.