Eugenio H. Villasante: 646-285-1087
Lynsey Kryzwick: 212-388-3696
Miami Beach, Fl –The City of Miami Beach’s security contractor has been charged with terminating a security officer for his union activities and intimidating workers for exercising their rights to organize. The charge, filed by 32BJ SEIU – the largest property service workers union in the country -- is against Security Alliance of Florida, Inc. which employs more than 50 security officers in public spaces and buildings at the City of Miami Beach. At a public forum today, the security officers will present a petition calling on the Miami Beach City Commission to help improve working conditions for officers who keep the city safe.
“Security officers in Miami Beach are fighting for healthcare for their kids and training to protect the city,” said Eric Brakken, 32BJ SEIU Florida Director. “Security Alliance’s intimidation of the security officers risks getting in the way of our public safety.”
Security Alliance is a growing security firm with contracts with the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County, but some of its security officers earn as little as $10 an hour and have no access to quality and affordably healthcare.
“We are trying to make this city safer for everybody, but I was fired when they found out I was speaking out and wanted a union,” said Richard Ruiz, who was terminated last week after working for more than two years for Security Alliance. “Employers shouldn’t stop decent people from trying to have a better life.”
According to the Economic Policy Institute, 54 percent of employers threaten workers in mandatory one-on-one meetings; and more than a third illegally fire union supporters. On average, union workers earn 30 percent more than non-union workers and are 60 percent more likely to have employer-paid health insurance.
With more than 110,000 members in nine states, including Florida, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.
