Published: January 21, 2010

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center is giving a boost in wages and benefits to 71 security officers who help keep guests, employees and visitors safe.

Under a five-year contract, which kicked in Dec. 1, some of the private security officers will see a raise of up to $5.25 per hour, increasing their hourly wage from $14 to $19.25 over the life of the contract.

New York-based Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, which has 15,000 members in the Washington area, helped negotiate the contract for its members.

Many officers will also see a 90 percent drop in their annual health care contributions, saving them on average over $2,000 per year over the span of the contract.