NEW YORK - A tentative contract has been reached for New York City municipal security guards, including those who work at the Staten Island Ferry terminals.

The labor deal involves FJC Security Services of Long Island and AlliedBarton Security Services of Conshohocken, Pa.

AlliedBarton said Monday it is pleased with the agreement. It said the proposed contract will provide fair wages and benefits, and maintain high standards for training and services.

Michael P. Fishman, president of Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, said taxpayer money had essentially funded poverty-level pay. He said this contract is a big step toward correcting it.