It’s time for celebration as we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy and seat Barack Obama as our nation’s first African-American President.  But as we savor the hope of this historical moment, we must remember that the struggle for justice and equality continues – especially for security officers who protect public buildings in New York City.  For far too long, these hard working men and women, who are predominantly African American, have made up the ranks of the City’s working poor.

With the majority of officers earning an average wage of just $11.35 an hour, with no paid days off and minimal health care benefits, security officers and their families struggle to get by.  Many are forced to use public assistance.  Our families, communities and City are negatively impacted by this vicious cycle of poverty.

This month, 32BJ launches a campaign for higher wages and better benefits for close to 3,000 security officers who are contracted to protect city owned and leased buildings.  These officers work diligently at protecting our vital public spaces, but they remain underpaid and underappreciated.

New York City’s elected leaders have a responsibility to raise standards and help improve life for these security officers and their families.  Local legislators should take this role seriously, and can do so by reexamining and updating the City’s prevailing wage rules or by passing standard-raising legislation for city security contractors.  This would help ensure officers move out of poverty and receive adequate employer-paid health insurance and state-of-the-art training, so they can do their jobs most effectively.  Further, turning these poverty jobs into good jobs with employer-based benefits means that these workers will no longer be forced to depend on costly public programs.

It’s time to raise standards and do right by the workers who keep us safe and secure. Private sector security standards are being raised, including at venerable institutions and tourist locations.  Meanwhile, the City lags far behind.

These officers protect some of the City’s most sensitive and important sites.  All they want in return is the ability to support themselves and their families.  In the same spirit as Dr. King’s dream and its realization through Obama’s election, security officers throughout the City should finally have the opportunity to realize the American Dream.

32BJ and Brooklyn Congregations Together will celebrate President-elect Obama’s victory at an event honoring the spirit of Dr. King on Thursday, January 15, 2008.  The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Bedford Central Presbyterian Church at 1200 Dean Street in Brooklyn, NY.  All are welcome to attend.