Janitor's protest affects traffic in Newark

NEWARK, N.J. (WABC) -- More than a thousand people demonstrated Wednesday in support of the janitors' union in Newark, and the protest affected traffic throughout the night.

The protesters were calling for new contracts, as theirs are due to expire in two weeks and no agreements have yet to be put on the table, according to the union.

Protesters met at Essex County College and marched to Military Park for a second rally. Joining the cleaners in support was Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and New Jersey State Senator Raymond Lesniak.

There were several other elected officials, as well as clergy and community leaders, that supported the movement.

The janitors maintain more than 500 buildings in New Jersey, including the Prudential Center, Red Bulls Arena and Johnson & Johnson headquarters.

The contracts expire on Dec. 31 for 7,000 32BJ office cleaners and school custodians.