Stand for Security tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2009-07-31:/42 2012-01-13T16:00:07Z Movable Type Pro 4.361 Challenges Plague U.S. Security Associates at Philadelphia Nursing Home tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2012://42.13597 2012-01-12T20:40:21Z 2012-01-13T16:00:07Z Recent revelations show that U.S. Security Associates, charged with protecting the Philadelphia Nursing Home, does a poor job of screening its employees and that its on-site manager at the nursing facility has a record of criminal and sexual harassment allegations against him. Ashley Wood Recent revelations show that U.S. Security Associates (USSA), charged with protecting the Philadelphia Nursing Home, does a poor job of screening its employees and that its on-site manager at the nursing facility has a record of criminal and sexual harassment allegations against him.

The company, responsible for protecting residents and employees at the publicly funded, 451-bed facility has also been working under an expired contract since June 30, 2009. City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is calling for the city to seek a new security company.

"Given that there is not a current contract between U.S. Security Associates and Philadelphia Nursing Home, we believe that the contract needs to be put out to bid. If the allegations of security personnel being fired for reporting that they are being harassed are true, there is even further motivation to put this contract up for bid now, not later. Contracts need to go to a responsible bidder - sexual harassers need not apply," said Brown.

Questions have been raised about whether USSA's contract at the nursing home ever got the necessary city approvals. The city owns the nursing facility but contracts with a private, Philadelphia-based operator, Fairmount Long-Term Care, to run it. The contract prohibits Fairmount from entering into any subcontracts without the city's prior written approval.

SEIU Local 32BJ and a citywide committee of security officers also called on the city Public Health Commissioner Donald Schwarz to investigate the concerns of nearly 100 nurses who have signed a petition calling the nursing home's site manager, Todd Messer "a threat" to workers. In addition to their petition, more than 900 concerned citizens and supporters of Stand For Security have called in writing for USSA's removal from the facility.

Messer was charged with two felony counts of neglect in Indiana in 2004 for leaving a loaded handgun in a place accessible to children, and failing to provide a safe or sanitary home or adequate supervision, thereby endangering a 22-month old and a six-month old. He ultimately pleaded to one misdemeanor account.

USSA also has sexual harassment charges pending against it for the behavior of Messer. The charges were filed by a former security officer at the nursing home, Lisa Garner, who lost her job without explanation after rejecting advances by Messer. She recently shared her own story on video. Messer has a checkered background: He moonlighted as a promoter and scout for a pornographic magazine, "Hot Bods," and left his "Hot Bods" business cards at his workstation in the nursing home.

USSA secures more than 10 locations in Philadelphia and the suburbs, including St. Christopher Children's Hospital, Hahnemann Hospital and the Art Institute.

]]> Security Officer Lisa Garner Speaks Out About Sexual Harassment at U.S. Security Associates tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13557 2011-12-21T14:36:55Z 2011-12-21T16:24:16Z In 2010, Lisa had worked as a security officer for 10 years at the Philadelphia Nursing Home. She loved her job protecting residents and staff -- until another security officer allegedly began to harass her repeatedly with inappropriate comments and lewd behavior. When Lisa complained to her employer, U.S. Security Associates, she realized she was taking a risk. She didn't expect it to end with losing her job this year. Ashley Wood Watch Lisa Garner tell her story in the featured video. Then join her and hundreds of other Stand For Security supporters who are calling on the City of Philadelphia to remove U.S. Security Associates from the Philadelphia Nursing Home here: www.standforsecurity.org/lisa

Lisa Garner and her family could be left out in the cold this holiday season -- simply because she complained about being harassed at work.

In 2010, Lisa had worked as a security officer for 10 years at the Philadelphia Nursing Home. She loved her job protecting residents and staff -- until another security officer allegedly began to harass her repeatedly with inappropriate comments and lewd behavior .

When Lisa complained to her employer, U.S. Security Associates, she realized she was taking a risk. She didn't expect it to end with losing her job this year.

When Lisa was let go from her position, she filed a complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. But while she waits for an investigation, she's still unemployed, living on welfare and about to lose her home.

Meanwhile, the man who harassed her still works for U.S. Security Associates supervising new female employees. And U.S. Security still has a contract with the nursing home.

Sexual harassment is unacceptable, and the worst part is that Lisa's not alone. Since 2002, at least 23 women employed by U.S. Security Associates have filed federal suits or official complaints alleging sexual and other forms of harassment and discrimination at the company. Women shouldn't have to choose between being abused and being unemployed.

Former employees like Lisa Garner are speaking out to put an end to sexual harassment and discrimination at U.S. Security Associates. We're standing with them until U.S. Security Associates fixes its irresponsible and unacceptable behavior.

Join us in fighting back. Send a message to the Philadelphia Health Commissioner urging him to remove U.S. Security Associates from the Philadelphia Nursing Home here: www.standforsecurity.org/lisa

]]> Special Alert: DC Memo Points to Huge Security Gaps, Poor Training Standards at U.S. Security Associates tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13555 2011-12-20T13:05:34Z 2011-12-21T18:58:41Z An internal Government of the District of Columbia memo obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by Stand for Security reveals both huge security gaps and poor training standards at U.S. Security Associates. From July 2010 to May 2011, undercover personnel working on behalf of DC's Protective Services Police Department made several attempts to penetrate security operations run by USSA and/or its subcontractor Watkins Security, at 16 different public facilities. Ashley Wood Several Washington, DC media outlets -- from The Washington Post to Fox 5 Television -- have been reporting on the failure of U.S. Security Associates (USSA) to prevent multiple simulated security breaches in the District's high-profile public buildings.

The media scrutiny stems from an internal Government of the District of Columbia memo -- obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by Stand for Security -- that reveals both huge security gaps and poor training standards at USSA.

]]> From July 2010 to May 2011 undercover personnel working on behalf of DC's Protective Services Police Department (PSPD) made several attempts to penetrate security operations run by USSA and/or its subcontractor Watkins Security, at 16 different public facilities. During the exercises, designed to test the reliability of security operations, undercover personnel were able to:

  • Enter without showing identification.
  • Enter with a cell-phone bomb.
  • Enter with a simulated pipe bomb.
  • Drive in restricted areas.
  • Smuggle in a simulated explosive hidden in a book.

USSA failures were widespread. In at least 12 public buildings, USSA either failed to detect the penetration or did not follow proper protocol when they did. All told, there were at least 31 failures.

To clients, USSA touts its long-distance "USA Security Academy," in which "trainees across the nation participate in LIVE interactive training programs via web and video based conferencing." The "state of the art training studio" is "the cornerstone of our national training and development efforts." But in DC, several tests revealed what appear to be poor training standards at the company. According to the memo:

  • "Recruit #1 entered the listed location carrying a black bag with a simulated pipe bomb. The Officer at this location detected the pipe bomb but had no knowledge what police action to take once the bomb was discovered."
  • "Recruit #1 entered the lobby of the listed location, placed a black bag on the x-ray machine. The Officers [sic] at this location was able to detect the bomb in the bag. The Officers had no idea which person in line had placed the bag on the machine. The Officer went down the line asking is this your bag?"
  • "Recruit #1 entered the listed location and placed a black bag on the x-ray machine. The Officers at this location detected the bomb in the bag but fail [sic] to follow proper procedure in securing the bag once the bomb was discovered."

This is not the first time USSA has failed security penetration tests in Washington, DC. As we wrote last June, a May 28, 2010 internal USSA memo revealed that, "each time PSD conducted a penetration exercise, we have failed." The author of the memo then threatens security officers. "You can and will be relieved of your posts if you continue to fail the Protective Service Penetration exercises," he writes.

USSA may again try to blame its failures on security officers. But the latest internal memo reveals that company training is responsible for security gaps in DC's public buildings.

Our nation's capital deserves better than USSA.

]]> U.S. Security Associates Under Media Scrutiny After Undermining Public Safety in Washington, DC tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13554 2011-12-19T19:51:12Z 2011-12-21T18:59:03Z U.S. Security Associates, the fourth largest security firm in the country, is once again under scrutiny in the Washington, D.C. media for putting the public at risk. "If you felt like there's no way anyone could ever smuggle a cellphone bomb through security at the Wilson Building, you need to reassess your feelings," writes Alan Suderman in the Washington City Paper. An internal memo recently obtained by SEIU has revealed more than a dozen different potential security breaches at D.C. government buildings, including some that are supposed to be protected by U.S. Security Associates, between July 2010 and June 2011. Ashley Wood U.S. Security Associates, the fourth largest security firm in the country, is once again under scrutiny in the Washington, D.C. media for putting the public at risk.

"If you felt like there's no way anyone could ever smuggle a cellphone bomb through security at the Wilson Building, you need to reassess your feelings," writes Alan Suderman in the Washington City Paper this week.

An internal memo recently obtained by SEIU has revealed more than a dozen different potential security breaches at D.C. government buildings, including some that are supposed to be protected by U.S. Security Associates, between July 2010 and June 2011.

]]> Tim Craig from The Washington Post writes:

"Undercover police officers and recruits have repeatedly sneaked simulated bombs into high-profile District government buildings, including the John A. Wilson Building that houses the office of the mayor and council members, according to a newly released memo.

[...]In addition to the breaches involving simulated weapons, the memo outlines several instances where visitors were not asked for identification, as is standard policy for anyone entering a city building. Recruits also successfully drove vehicles into some unauthorized areas, according to the memo."

Reporting on the memo, WUSA 9 News reporter Ken Molestina asked Mayor Gray, "If someone was able to bring fake explosives in here, what's to say that someday they're not going to bring in the real thing?" Gray's response: "It could happen."

WUSA 9 News also interviewed SEIU's Jaime Contreras, who described the root of the problem of companies like U.S. Security Associates: "This is not the officers. This is the training that these companies are not providing and the quality of training that they are providing."

Given the impact on public safety, several media outlets also reported on the most recent problems to surface at U.S. Security Associates. Below is Fox 5 DC's report, as well as links to more media reports.

This is not the first time U.S. Security Associates has failed security penetration tests in Washington DC. For the safety of all Washingtonians, the city must end its relationship with U.S. Security Associates as soon as possible.

"Memo Exposes Gaps in D.C. Security" - The Huffington Post

"New Report Says D.C. Government Buildings Are Vulnerable" - WMAL 105.9 FM

"Fake bombs breach D.C. security" - WTOP 103.5 FM

Read our own story on the memo here: DC Memo Points to Huge Security Gaps, Poor Training Standards at U.S. Security Associates

]]> U.S. Security Associates Fires Marine After He Voices Support for His Union tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13461 2011-11-11T12:11:48Z 2011-12-21T19:00:07Z Today a grateful nation honors its Veterans. But in its treatment of one New Jersey veteran, U.S. Security Associates has not. For Newark security officer Daniel Pereira, Semper Fidelis, "Always Faithful," is more than just a motto. It's a way of life. After 15 weeks of training as a United States Marine, Daniel learned the meaning of the famous Marine Corps motto along with the core values -- including justice, dependability, integrity, initiative, unselfishness, and knowledge -- that make a U.S. Marine. Then he put those values to the test in Iraq. Daniel came home after 13 months of serving his country. Like other returning service men and women, Daniel ran into a problem. What kind of job was he coming home to? Ashley Wood Today a grateful nation honors its Veterans. But in its treatment of one New Jersey veteran, U.S. Security Associates has not.

Daniel Pereira

PHOTO: United States Marine
Daniel Pereira was fired
by U.S. Security Associates
after he voiced support
for a security officers' union.

For Newark security officer Daniel Pereira, Semper Fidelis, "Always Faithful," is more than just a motto. It's a way of life.

After 15 weeks of training as a United States Marine, Daniel learned the meaning of the famous Marine Corps motto along with the core values -- including justice, dependability, integrity, initiative, unselfishness, and knowledge -- that make a U.S. Marine.

Then he put those values to the test in Iraq.

Daniel came home after 13 months of serving his country. Like other returning service men and women, Daniel ran into a problem. What kind of job was he coming home to?

"I got a job with U.S. Security Associates," he says. "It was the best thing I could find."

]]> At USSA, Daniel was paid just $9.25 an hour. "For healthcare, I kept my veterans' benefits," he says.

In April of 2011, Daniel made contact with a representative of the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ. "I liked what they had to say," says Daniel. "I was especially interested in the training program that the union established in New York."

That a Marine would put emphasis on safety training is not surprising. But Daniel, who grew up in the close-knit, working-class community of Ironbound, was also interested in the quality of jobs available to his coworkers and neighbors. "Pay raises, medical coverage, dental coverage, access to legal services, all of these things are important for working people," he says.

Daniel began to attend meetings with other Newark security officers about forming a union. With his Marine sense of integrity, he did not keep his support of his union a secret. "I spoke with my coworkers about the union by phone and I spoke with two of my supervisors about it several times," he says.

On July 15, 2011, Daniel was fired.

"I had no disciplinary issues whatsoever prior to my termination," he says. "They told me that somebody had complained about me for not greeting people and not smiling. I told them that was weird because I work at night, when the building is mostly empty."

Daniel has filed an official complaint of Unfair Labor Practices with the National Labor Relations Board, which is now investigating USSA.

As the Marine awaits the results of the investigation, perhaps USSA -- which uses patriotic imagery as a commercial tactic -- should adopt a new motto, Nunquam Fidelis, "never faithful."

]]> Educating the Public on U.S. Security Associates' Dangerous Record tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13426 2011-11-03T15:24:15Z 2011-12-21T19:00:39Z Officers working to raise standards with Stand For Security and local community members have been speaking out about the risks that U.S. Security Associates could present to clients, officers and the public across the country. One look at the company's record makes it clear that USSA has a lot of work to do in maximizing safety, restoring integrity and creating good jobs in our communities. Ashley Wood USSAOctoberActionLA12.jpgSecurity officers across the country have U.S. Security Associates under surveillance. Officers working to raise standards with Stand For Security and local community members have been speaking out about the risks that U.S. Security Associates could present to clients, officers and the public across the country.

Last week, Stand for Security members passed out leaflets at Bank of the West in San Francisco, California, providing details on USSA's record of putting both their own employees and the public at risk. Officers gathered in Los Angeles as well, to promote responsible security that can lead to a stronger, safer community.

]]> USSAOctoberActionChicago.jpgAt the same time, supporters spoke with employees and customers at Kmart in Chicago, and at Kraft Foods in Houston; both companies hold contracts with USSA. Security officers and supporters also handed out information about U.S. Security Associates in Newark, Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

USSA holds contracts with more than 3000 clients across the country, touting such values as safety, integrity and quality of service. However, USSA's own track record reveals a myriad of problems, including failed weapons tests in Washington, D.C. , health and safety violations in six states, and even recent reports of a potential conflict of interest at the Port of Houston, Texas.

USSA claims to provide "small company responsiveness," but the 4th largest security firm in America has seemingly ignored its own problems at various worksites, leading to multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. Harassment and discrimination can have a lasting negative effect on employees' jobs and performance, and in turn a damaging effect on the security industry and its clients.

USSAOctoberActionUSWW2.jpgInforming the public about U.S. Security Associates is another example of how security officers have been working together to build awareness about problems in the security industry and raise standards throughout the country.

One look at the company's record makes it clear that USSA has a lot of work to do in maximizing safety, restoring integrity and creating good jobs in our communities.

]]> Stand For Security Educates Facilities Managers About U.S. Security Associates at IFMA World Workplace Conference tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13397 2011-10-28T14:59:10Z 2011-11-01T20:08:49Z This week, Stand for Security was in Phoenix for the International Facility Management Association's World Workplace Conference and Expo, the largest annual conference for facility management professionals. The conference aims to address strategies for managing facilities, which may include contracting with private security firms. Members of Stand for Security handed out information to educate conference attendees on how to go about hiring a responsible security contractor and also how to perform a background check on security firms to make sure there are no skeletons in the closet. Ashley Wood This week, Stand for Security was in Phoenix for the International Facility Management Association's World Workplace Conference and Expo, the largest annual conference for facility management professionals. The conference aims to address strategies for managing facilities, which may include contracting with private security firms.

USSA OctoberAction IFMA.jpgMembers of Stand for Security handed out information to educate conference attendees on how to go about hiring a responsible security contractor and also how to perform a background check on security firms to make sure there are no skeletons in the closet.

A background check on U.S. Security Associates (USSA) reveals closeted skeletons aplenty. At the conference, Stand for Security members distributed critical information about USSA regarding failed weapons tests , sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits, health and safety violations, and having public contracts cancelled because of certification and training issues.

Several facilities managers expressed gratitude for the USSA information and voiced strong support for Stand for Security's mission--raising security industry standards throughout the United States.

We look forward to seeing our friends again at future industry conferences.

]]> One Year After Landmark Sexual Harassment Suit, Still No Remedy For Sexual Harassment at USSA tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13387 2011-10-26T21:45:57Z 2011-12-21T19:01:44Z On the anniversary of a multi-million dollar lawsuit stemming from an employee's sexual harassment complaints, U.S. Security Associates seems to be content to keep sweeping their harassment issues under the rug. One year ago today, U.S. Security Associates - the fourth largest security firm in the country - was found liable by a federal jury in what one judge called "the most egregious case of sexual harassment, retaliation and tortuous conduct that has been tried in this court." Ashley Wood On the anniversary of a multi-million dollar lawsuit stemming from an employee's sexual harassment complaints, U.S. Security Associates seems to be content to keep sweeping their harassment issues under the rug.

One year ago today, U.S. Security Associates (USSA) - the fourth largest security firm in the country - was found liable by a federal jury in what one judge called "the most egregious case of sexual harassment, retaliation and tortuous conduct that has been tried in this court." The court issued judgment against USSA for more than $2.3 million.

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama found USSA liable for compensatory and punitive damages for sexual harassment, unlawful retaliation, wanton supervision and/or retention of an offending supervisor. That supervisor was Chris Hargrove, who was found to have committed assault and battery, invasion of privacy and intentionally inflicting emotional distress upon employee Jamie Marks.

Jamie Marks won her trial. But the company's trouble with Chris Hargrove didn't end there.

]]> On May 31, 2011, the EEOC announced that USSA would pay $1.95 million to settle a lawsuit charging unlawful employment practices, gender discrimination and sexual harassment. The suit alleged that Hargrove harassed 6 other USSA employees with unwelcome sexual demands, demeaning gestures, inappropriate touching and other sexually offensive conduct.

In settling the suit, USSA agreed to a consent decree in Alabama, revising policies and complaint procedures as well as training and accountability of supervisors accused of harassment.

The company also recently settled a lawsuit alleging Chris Hargrove discriminated against and harassed another employee and his daughter who both worked for the company.

So, how has U.S. Security Associates improved its work environment for security officers so far?

Most recently in Pennsylvania, former employee Lisa Garner filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against her supervisor, Todd Messer, who allegedly harassed Lisa, displayed lewd behavior, and left business cards at his USSA worksite - the Philadelphia Nursing Home - for his adult themed side business. After complaining to the company about his inappropriate behavior, Lisa was fired from her job.

While Lisa Garner struggles to make ends meet, Todd Messer still works for USSA at the Philadelphia Nursing Home, where he continues to supervise female employees. "It needs to stop," Lisa said in a recent interview. "Here I am about to lose everything and the man who did this to me is still collecting a paycheck. It's not right."

After being held liable for $4 million as a consequence of irresponsible and unacceptable behavior by managers and supervisors, U.S. Security Associates has done little to remedy sexual harassment in their worksites nationwide. As we've said, there is no place for sexual harassment in today's security industry. Stand for Security and other national organizations are waiting on USSA to adopt a comprehensive policy that will demonstrate its commitment to ending sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation in the workplace now.

]]> NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly Attends 9/11 Commemoration Honoring Bravery and Leadership of SEIU Security Officers tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13355 2011-10-18T20:11:34Z 2011-12-21T19:02:21Z On Saturday, security officers who protect New York City were honored at a Security Recognition Ceremony hosted by SEIU Local 32BJ with NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. The ceremony served to honor the men and women who lost their lives on September 11th, and to award recognition to private security officers who have excelled in the line of duty. Ashley Wood 32bjsecurityawardslong.jpgOn Saturday, security officers who protect New York City were honored at a Security Recognition Ceremony hosted by SEIU Local 32BJ with NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. The ceremony served to honor the men and women who lost their lives on September 11th, and to award recognition to private security officers who have excelled in the line of duty.

Ten years ago, 10 SEIU security officers lost their lives while on duty at the World Trade Center towers. As security officers do every day, they served as first responders to a serious emergency, aiding cops, firefighters and rescue crews who came to the scene.

"Because of the nature of your work, you are in a better position than most to spot the indicators of terrorism," New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told security officers present at the ceremony. "We depend on you. We depend on you to stay engaged, to act as our eyes and ears."

]]> Since then, 32BJ has partnered with local businesses and city agencies through the Thomas Shortman Training Fund, which provides education and training to 32BJ members, including security officers. 32BJ has led the fight for stronger security standards among private security companies in New York, such as creating a comprehensive labor-management training program led by a veteran NYPD sergeant that prepares officers to meet today's security challenges. The union has also won higher pay, affordable health care access, and other necessary benefits for thousands of security officers and their families. During Saturday's ceremony, the Thomas Shortman Training fund received an Industry Leadership Award.

securityawards13.jpg"We have made great improvements in the private security industry and we're not done yet," said Wallace Jones, a security officer at Rockefeller center, and a member of the 32BJ executive board.

Also recognized was the new National September 11 Memorial and Museum, for its commitment to providing the highest training, wage and benefits standards to its employees, allowing it to build a highly skilled and professional security team.

Several individual security officers received awards, including the September 11th Remembrance Award, Security Officer Bravery and Valor Award, Security Officer Advancement Award, and the Security Officer Leadership Award.

SEIU Local 32BJ works alongside the Stand For Security campaign to continue raising standards for security officers, fighting for better jobs and training that will in turn create a more professional industry and safer communities.

Watch several interviews from the Security Recognition Ceremony in the video below:

]]> One Security Officer for an Entire University and Two High Schools: Colorado Heights University is Putting Denver at Risk tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13332 2011-10-13T15:51:28Z 2011-10-13T16:55:37Z When Denver Police were recently called to a domestic disturbance on the campus of Colorado Heights University, and subsequently fired several rounds at a suspect running on foot, there was just one security officer on duty protecting the entire 74-acre campus. Unfortunately, this is standard policy for Colorado Heights University, and after witnessing too many risks to the campus community, the security officers employed by the school are speaking out. Ashley Wood When Denver Police were recently called to a domestic disturbance on the campus of Colorado Heights University, and subsequently fired several rounds at a suspect running on foot, there was just one security officer on duty protecting the entire 74-acre campus.

Unfortunately, this is standard policy for Colorado Heights University, and after witnessing too many risks to the campus community, the security officers employed by the school are speaking out. On Friday, officers rallied alongside local supporters and students who are tired of the lack of safety on campus.

Previously this year, six security officers were employed by Colorado Heights University to provide public safety. What they experienced on the job shows a seeming lack of commitment to safety at the university. Not only was just one officer assigned to be on duty at a time, they also had a lack of training, benefits, vacation or paid sick time -- and when they asked for a raise for their hard work, their shifts were cut back instead.

]]> Realizing their employer was doing little to ensure the safety of the community, the officers sought to form a union with SEIU and address their concerns with the university together. But the university administration had a different plan. After speaking out to students and the public about crime in the surrounding area, two of the officers were threatened by their supervisor and a third was removed from his job. One of the threatened officers later quit due to working conditions and treatment from the university.

Now, the Colorado Heights University campus, which also houses two Denver public charter high schools, is left with 4 officers to rotate protecting the faculty and student body. The officers have now filed 9 unfair labor practices against the university.

The recent police shooting incident is under investigation, and the students at Colorado Heights are rightly concerned. But unless the university addresses the serious safety and job concerns of their security officers, the entire community will continue to be at risk. Located within the city of Denver, the campus area has had more than 282 crime offenses that have been reported nearby in the last 6 months, including motor vehicle thefts, public disorder, aggravated assaults, burglaries, hit and runs and other crimes against persons.

We'll be watching to see if the university takes appropriate actions in addressing their officers' and students' concerns, and reinstates the officer they fired.

]]> Client Newsletters: Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13323 2011-10-11T20:57:50Z 2011-12-21T19:06:46Z U.S. Security Associates has been driving down standards in the security industry, including a history of lawsuits across 14 states claiming harassment, discrimination, retaliation against whistleblowers, wage violations, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations. Learn more in our Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates Client Newsletters. Ashley Wood Two prominent women's groups and the Service Employees International Union are calling on Atlanta-based U.S. Security Associates (USSA)--the nation's fourth-largest private security firm--to adopt procedures to rid its worksites of sexual harassment.

The company has been driving down standards in the security industry, including a history of lawsuits across 14 states claiming harassment, discrimination, retaliation against whistleblowers, wage violations, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations.

In August 2011, Stand For Security published the first issue of Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates, a newsletter to inform security directors, property managers, office building tenants and others about the business practices of U.S. Security Associates. We continue to publish about one newsletter a month.

]]> Below are links to each newsletter, where you can read and scroll through, or download and save as a PDF.

Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates: Issue One

Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates: Issue Two

Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates: Issue Three

Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates: Issue Four

Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates: Issue Five

You can stay up to date on news about U.S. Security Associates by clicking the "Unsafe With U.S. Security Associates" button that appears on the right on every page of our website.

]]> Security Officer Terry Bailey: "This shouldn't cost us our jobs." tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13269 2011-09-29T16:59:48Z 2011-10-11T19:32:30Z I've worked as a dedicated security officer for ABM Security for the past 6 years. My coworkers and I are speaking out to improve standards in the security industry, and I believe I was removed from my worksite because of it. We're working together to achieve better pay to support our families, affordable health insurance to prevent risk to ourselves and the public, and a voice on the job -- something we all need in the security industry. Ashley Wood TerryBaileyABMPhoto.jpgMy name is Terry Bailey and I was forced to go five weeks without being paid, simply for trying to improve jobs in my local community.

I've worked as a dedicated security officer for ABM Security for the past 6 years. My coworkers and I are speaking out to improve standards in the security industry, and I believe I was removed from my worksite because of it.

I went five weeks without pay, and now I've been reassigned with a 20 percent pay cut.

I believe ABM Security removed me from my worksite, Unified Grocers in Milwaukie, Oregon, for speaking up with my coworkers to form a union at ABM. We're working together to achieve better pay to support our families, affordable health insurance to prevent risk to ourselves and the public, and a voice on the job -- something we all need in the security industry.

This shouldn't cost us our jobs.

]]> My coworkers and I delivered hundreds of petitions signed by local community members in support of our rights, but ABM had the nerve to reprimand us for visiting their offices and trying to talk to them.

Update October 11th:Thank you to the nearly 1,400 people who took action this month and sent a message to ABM Security on behalf of Terry Bailey! If you still want to take action, you can call Portland Manager Kevin Cooley at (503) 245-1403 to urge ABM to support officers' rights to have a voice on the job.

]]> Security Officers at Harvard University Win Big For Their Families and Their Communities tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13268 2011-09-29T12:10:59Z 2011-09-29T18:45:00Z At a time when many workers are facing deep cuts in pay and benefits -- leaving families, communities, and local businesses to suffer the consequences -- union security officers at Harvard University have won significant job improvements. With the support of Harvard students, dining hall workers, and Cambridge community leaders, on September 23 Harvard's 270 union security officers -- employed by Securitas and members of SEIU Local 615 -- won a new five-year contract. Ashley Wood At a time when many workers are facing deep cuts in pay and benefits -- leaving families, communities, and local businesses to suffer the consequences -- union security officers at Harvard University have won significant job improvements.

With the support of Harvard students, dining hall workers, and Cambridge community leaders, on September 23 Harvard's 270 union security officers -- employed by Securitas and members of SEIU Local 615 -- won a new five-year contract.

]]> The officers' contract will:

  • Move the average wage to $17.60 per hour.
  • Guarantee top wages of $20.00 per hour by the end of the contract.
  • Increase the number of full-time jobs.
  • Provide fully-paid individual and family healthcare for employees working 16 or more hours per week.
  • Provide 12 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.
  • Provide a six percent employer contribution to the workers' pension plan.

"I'm very happy that an agreement's been reached," officer Shawn Lynch said in The Harvard Crimson. "Everybody wants to have a peaceful work environment. You want to feel supported by your employer."

Student supporters were pleased. "Security guards are obviously a very important part of this institution," student William P. Whitham told The Harvard Crimson. "It says a lot about our institution that it treats its workers fairly."

Security officers throughout the country are paying attention. By coming together it is possible to win good jobs for our communities and higher industry standards that will keep everybody safe.

]]> At Security Industry Conference, Stand for Security Confronts U.S. Security Associates Over Sexual Harassment and More tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13241 2011-09-22T18:19:28Z 2011-09-29T17:55:17Z This week in Orlando, members of Stand for Security attended the ASIS International conference, an annual convention for the security industry featuring an exhibit hall, seminars and special events. We spoke with other attendees about U.S. Security Associates' record of sexual harassment, and delivered a letter to the company signed by the National Women's Law Center, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and SEIU. Ashley Wood MobileBillboard2.jpgSecurity officers and supporters have been speaking out against sexual harassment at one of the top security firms in the country, U.S. Security Associates, Inc.

This week in Orlando, members of Stand for Security attended the ASIS International conference, an annual convention for the security industry featuring an exhibit hall, seminars and special events. We spoke with other attendees about the more than $4.25 million that USSA has paid to settle sexual harassment lawsuits brought by victims and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

]]> On Tuesday, Stand For Security supporters delivered a letter to the U.S. Security Associates booth signed by the National Women's Law Center, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and the Service Employees International Union concerning the company's record. Addressed to President and CEO Chuck Schneider, the letter calls for a comprehensive policy that demonstrates the company's commitment to ending sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation in the workplace.

Some conference members expressed their frustration with the company's sexual harassment record, including a security industry professional who called the company's record "outrageous."

"I have a daughter," he said, "I couldn't imagine her facing this type of harassment."

Sexual harassment can have a damaging effect on the industry, including negative impacts on recruitment, attendance, retention and productivity. It can cause anxiety and depression, which leads to less work satisfaction, less commitment and psychological withdrawal. Above and beyond that, it is just simply unacceptable in today's world.

At a school security seminar, attendees were able to read a flyer about why USSA shouldn't be trusted to protect our schoolchildren. An investigative series by the Washington Times revealed that USSA and its subcontractor Watkins Security failed multiple penetration tests, allowing plain-clothed agents to sneak weapons into public buildings, and was fined more than 70 times by D.C.'s Department of Real Estate Services for security and contract violations over the past year. Washington D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray withdrew his support for the company this past July.

And outside a port security seminar, Stand for Security spoke with attendees about why the America's ports play a critical role in our economy and national security - and why port security decisions should be made without any conflicts of interest. USSA may lose a contract protecting the Port of Houston after failing to disclose a family connection between USSA and the Port employees.

Security officers and community supporters are also setting out in other cities across the country this week to remind clients of U.S. Security Associates that there is no place for sexual harassment in the security industry.

You too can tell U.S. Security Associates to stop sexual harassment at their worksites. Sign on to the letter from the National Women's Law Center, the National Partnership for Women and Families, and SEIU by adding your name here.]]> U.S. Security Associates' Second "Perfect Storm" of Sexual Harassment: Lisa Garner's Story tag:www.standforsecurity.org,2011://42.13237 2011-09-21T20:02:04Z 2011-09-29T14:44:58Z

Lisa Garner had worked protecting the Philadelphia Nursing Home for 10 years, but after complaining about being harassed by her immediate supervisor to her employer, U.S. Security Associates, she was removed from her job. In July 2011, Lisa filed a complaint of sexual harassment and retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lisa believes that sexual harassment is still occurring at U.S. Security Associates and will continue to speak out. Ashley Wood On October 26, 2010, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama rendered a final verdict against U.S. Security Associates (USSA) and its manager Christopher Hargrove for sexual harassment, retaliation, wanton supervision, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault and battery, and invasion of privacy.

The $2.3 million verdict brought justice to Alabama security officer Jamie Marks, who, the judge wrote, suffered from an ordeal that "spanned at least eleven months during which USSA, through the actions of its unsupervised state director Hargrove, subjected her to more than thirty occurrences of unwanted touching, repeated sexually-charged statements, and requests for various sexual performances from her."

As the judge explained, "USSA's cavalier attitude toward sexual harassment in the workplace coupled with Hargrove's demonstrated proclivity for sexual harassment of vulnerable women under his supervision provided the perfect storm for the most egregious case of sexual harassment, retaliation, and tortious conduct that has been tried in this court."

Meanwhile in Philadelphia, USSA employee Lisa Garner was going through a perfect storm of her own.

]]> Lisa had worked protecting the Philadelphia Nursing Home for 10 years. Nursing home administrators thought highly enough of Lisa that in 2007, she became site supervisor, entrusted with training new security personnel. One trainee, and eventually her immediate supervisor, was Willard "Todd" Messer.

After completing his training, Messer allegedly began to harass Lisa. The harassment included repeated requests for dates, confessions of his attraction to Asian women, and offers to buy Lisa gifts. Messer's alleged behavior could also be lewd. He often read material advertising strip clubs and talked about how his friend once bought him a "lap dance." In plain sight he left his business cards for his side job, which entailed "Promotions and Scouting" for Hot Bod Girls Magazine.

Messer's background is questionable, especially for a security officer. In 2004 The Indianapolis Star reported that at Messer's house police found a loaded 9mm handgun on a desk--where a child could have reached it. The small children living in the house were placed in the custody of Child Protection Services. According to Marion County court documents, Messer-- having knowingly or intentionally placed "a child in a situation that endangered his life or health"--was charged with Felony Neglect of a Dependent. He plead guilty of a misdemeanor charge and was given 331 days probation. Lisa's complaints about Messer went unaddressed. Instead USSA removed Lisa from her post. Her last day on the job was May 26, 2011. The company never gave a reason for its decision.

In late July Lisa filed a complaint of sexual harassment and retaliation against USSA with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Her life has not got any easier. "I'm looking for work," she says. "In this economy, it's not going so well."

Lisa has not been able to pay her rent since USSA got rid of her. Her landlord has been understanding and has not yet evicted her and her children. In early September, she was forced to apply for welfare.

The stress is overwhelming. "I can't sleep," she says. "I'm up all night. I'm just a mess."

Lisa believes that sexual harassment is still occurring at U.S. Security and will continue to speak out. "It's too much," she says. "It needs to stop. Here I am about to lose everything and the man who did this to me is still collecting a paycheck. It's not right."

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