NJ Bodega Workers Need Bulletproof Vests Says Group

A group representing bodega owners is calling for workers in Newark's stores to wear bulletproof vests.

The Bodega Association of the U.S. wants employees to wear the vests to protect themselves from robbers and violence.

Association president Fernando Mateo also wants workers to apply to carry firearms.

Mateo met with Mayor Cory Booker earlier this week to discuss his proposal.

A Booker spokesman did not immediately comment. The meeting came after the murder of 18-year-old Jamil Bader, Jr. He was shot last week while working at his family's store.

A Bronx bodega worker was killed by a police bullet earlier this month. Reynaldo Cuevas collided with an officer after fleeing from robbers.

Mateo wants to convene a meeting of mayors from New Jersey's largest cities to discuss bodega worker safety.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)