TRENTON, N.J. — As the Labor Day holiday approaches, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is recognizing nearly 4.4 million New Jerseyans whose work contributes to the state’s economy and communities.
Under the Murphy administration, NJDOL says it has advanced policies to safeguard worker rights, including a higher minimum wage, paid sick leave, and expanded family and medical leave.
“Each Labor Day we celebrate the contributions of hardworking New Jerseyans,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “This year it is particularly special as we honor a record number of workers. Importantly, these workers are enjoying historic protections and benefits after almost eight years of focus on creating a stronger and fairer economy. These groundbreaking policies have prioritized the dignity, well-being, and security of every worker in our state, making New Jersey a beacon of labor rights and economic justice.”
Among the initiatives highlighted were paid sick leave, enacted in 2018, and gradual minimum wage increases, which exceeded $15 per hour in 2024. Expanded family and medical leave benefits took effect in 2020, increasing both wage replacement and leave time.
Unemployment insurance modernization, workforce development programs, expanded apprenticeship opportunities, and targeted protections for temporary and domestic workers were also included in the department’s summary. Officials noted that since 2018, NJDOL has assessed more than $128 million in back wages for workers through enforcement actions, while also increasing outreach to youth and vulnerable populations through specialized programs.
“The road toward strengthening the rights and opportunities for New Jersey’s workforce is far from complete, but we’ve paved the way for progress for years to come,” Asaro-Angelo said. “As we continue to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of workers, this department will remain steadfast in its mission to create a fair and dynamic labor landscape that empowers everyone to succeed.”
More information on worker protections is available at MyWorkRights.nj.gov, and details on NJDOL’s programs and services can be found at nj.gov/labor.
