New York, NY – Security officers at the City of Miami Beach will start bargaining for a first-ever union contract after Security Alliance, the city’s security contractor, recognized their union last night. 32BJ SEIU, the largest property service workers union in the country will seek to negotiate a contract to improve the training, working conditions, pay and benefits for the 50 officers who keep safe and secure buildings and landmarks such as the Municipal Building, South Beach boardwalk and Lincoln Road.
“By raising standards, Security Alliance is setting an example for others to follow,” said Eric Brakken Director of 32BJ SEIU in Florida. “We have seen it elsewhere; better pay, affordable healthcare and improved training is good for businesses and the community. It can reduce high turnover and turn dead-end jobs into good jobs that help workers support their families.”
Security Alliance employs more than 50 officers in Miami Beach, including the Municipal Building, Lincoln Road and Miami Beach Boardwalk. The officers, represented by 32BJ, are asking for the wages, improved training and healthcare.
“The private security industry is plagued by low wages and minimal training standards,” said Mike Fishman, President of 32BJ. “We are looking forward to working with Security Alliance to raise standards across the entire industry and empowering officers to get ahead.”
With more than 120,000 members in eight states and Washington, D.C., 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country.
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updated 3/10/2010
