Published: June 24, 2008

Security officers who protect City Hall, the Municipal Services Building and other city buildings ratified a five-year contract with Scotlandyard Security Services Ltd Saturday, according Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, which represents the guards. Unarmed officers now earning $8.50 to $9 per hour with no benefits, paid vacation or sick days will see their hourly wage increase to $13.02 in the first year, along with employer-paid health coverage, two weeks of paid vacation and free legal assistance through local's legal services fund. By the end of the four-year contract, unarmed officers will earn $14.52 an hour and armed officers will earn $19.85 an hour, the union said. Approximately 70 officers are covered by this agreement, which goes into effect immediately. A company representative could not be reached for comment.