Labor unions gathered in Newark this Labor Day to rally for union support and higher wages for workers.

Many of the people participating in the rally were part of Labor Union 32BJ SEIU, which includes janitors, security guards and other employees.

Yvette Stephens is a security guard at Newark Liberty International Airport. She says that she makes $10.20 an hour.

“I have multiple sclerosis,” she says. “What would be so important for me is to be able to afford my medicine and to be stress-free as far as when I’m paying my bills.”

The marchers say that they want to see minimum wage go up to $15 an hour. The current minimum wage in New Jersey is $8.44.

Gov. Chris Christie says that he does not support the push for a minimum wage increase to $15. But the marchers say that they have greater hope for a change after the governor leaves office in January.

Opponents say a raise in the minimum wage could force businesses to cut workers.

But union leaders say that they will continue to fight for a living wage for their members.

State officials say that 16 percent of New Jersey workers are represented by unions.