Stephen Murray is interested in making sure the economy works for hard-working people, and he's starting where he lives and works in Houston, Texas. Stephen works as a security officer at the Criminal Justice Center and Wilson Building, monitoring the front entrances and directing people who come into the buildings. Read his story and learn why he is working with his coworkers toward better training, wages and healthcare in the security industry.

Joshua Rojas works the overnight shift at the Harris County Probation Office in Houston, Texas as a security officer. His role is vital -- he monitors the front entrance, watching everyone who enters and leaves the building, including prisoners who are turning themselves in. In spite of the important role Joshua plays in keeping Houston safe, he is currently paid less $17,000 a year by his employer. On a salary barely above the poverty level for a family of two, Joshua supports himself and his ill mother.

Sharon Robertson is a full-time security officer at the Metro Rail Operation Center. Her job is to keep Houston safe. She has responded to emergency situations, and she knows that a few minutes can be the difference between life and death. Read Sharon's story to hear why she is working toward a better security industry.

Janet Brown works as a security officer at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Despite working for the same private security company for the past 8 years, she has only received a 2 dollar increase in her wages, while experiencing a lack of respect from management. Read her personal story and learn why she is working to improve standards in the security industry for her family and her community.

Mike Delgado is a security officer in the Silicon Valley area. Read Mike's personal story and hear why he's working towards improving his job in the security industry, including the need for better equipment to keep officers and the public safe and affordable quality healthcare.

Kobra Oden is a security officer for a private security company, protecting Temple University in Philadelphia. Read her story and hear why she is standing up with her fellow officers for higher wages, affordable healthcare and better training to improve the security industry.

As a member of the bargaining committee during the last round of contract talks, Harrison and other security officers fought for higher wages, affordable healthcare, paid sick leave and job protection when work sites change security companies. Watch a video of Harrison telling his story.

"We all do better when we work together as one voice," says Securitas security officer at and SEIU Local 26 member Donna Alexander. "I found being on the bargaining committee for our last contract to be an exhilarating experience because we were so much more effective working together."

Talk to Roger Schutt for a few minutes about organizing security officers in the suburbs, and you gain an appreciation of why his fight is so vital. A Whelan security officer at Boston Scientific's campus, Roger routinely receives the appreciation of the tenant's employees and property managers--but can barely live on his wages while supporting his seven-year-old daughter.

ABM security officer and SEIU Local 26 member Renita Whicker knows first-hand what a great union contract can do for officers who've won the fight for a union. She's one of 1000 Minneapolis and St. Paul officiers who are Local 26 members. Watch her talk about being a security officer and union member in this video interview.