Published: September 25, 2008

Thousands of security guards, in a major Service Employees International Union (SEID) Local 32BJ-led effort, are campaigning for union wages and benefits in cities throughout the country.

So far, the union has won contracts covering up to 50,000 guards, who prefer to be called security officers, in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis and San Francisco. In New York City, the union, which represents security officers at landmark buildings such as Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden, has chalked up some impressive victories since it began some four months ago.

 The contract goals of 32BJ security officers include guaranteed annual pay .raises, employer-paid health insurance, pension benefits, paid holidays and sick days, paid vacation time, job protections, and seniority rules. Many of these, have already been won in agreements negotiated in cities throughout the country, boast union officials.

In August, officers at the MetLife Building in Manhattan joined 32BJ, and contract negotiations will soon start with employer Securitas/Burns. And this past June, the local
reached a new contract agreement with the Realty Advisory Board (RAE), covering some 1,500 officers in commercial buildings. The contract includes a 17 percent wage raise over four  years and fully employer-paid family health care, reports SEIU Local 32BJ staffer Kwame Patterson.

Security officers at the RAE can now take union-sponsored training programs aimed at helping them learn the latest state-of-the-art security and safety measures.

"We-believe good wages, health care benefits and training programs help create the good jobs that sustain families and keep our communities and city strong," 32BJ staffer Patterson said. A large part of this workforce is Black and Latino males.

One big 32BJ campaign involves some 200 officers who protect Citigroup workers and properties throughout New York. These officers are employed by Allied Barton Security Services. Many make wages as low as $10 an hour with no health benefits.

To highlight the cause of these union members, 32BJ has taken its fair contract fight to the public. This includes staging public rallies, such as one held outside Citigroup's offices last month, as well as a major media advertising push to help raise public awareness about these issues. The union’s goal is a fair contract that includes a wage increase, improved benefits and more training.

SEIU 32BJ represents some 100,000 building service workers in seven states and the District of Columbia. These workers include cleaners, doormen, porters, maintenance workers, window cleaners, security officers, superintendents, and theater and stdium workers.