Hundreds of security officers and three city council members called for legislation to raise standards, ensure fair benefits, and make sure the people protecting Baltimore are protected themselves.
The Cost of Poverty Wages
More than 15,000 people work as security officers in the Baltimore metro area; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage is just $18.56.“Some turnover estimates are as high as 300% a year,” said 32BJ Executive Vice President Jaime Contreras at the rally. "This means fewer experienced workers and security officers on site to handle emergencies and identify risks, putting public safety at risk.” Councilmember Zac Blanchard noted that current insurance options include high premiums and deductibles that are “not competitive at all.” The working conditions for security officers contribute to the high turnover, which can cause instability across worksites.
Building a Safer, Fairer Industry
SEIU 32BJ represents roughly 1,700 Baltimore-area security officers working for major contractors across downtown and public facilities. Over the summer, the union supported Abacus Corp workers preparing to strike over substandard conditions. 32BJ also filed unfair labor practices against the company.. This same company collected $45 million in city contracts over seven years.
Councilmembers Jermaine Jones and Odette Ramos echoed the call for a legislative solution, suggesting a citywide minimum wage for all security officers and stronger living wage requirements for city contractors. “Security guards are “the ones on the front line interacting with our residents, our neighbors,” Jones said. “We want to make sure that those workers not only are skilled [and] trained, but have the wages that they need.” Ramos added, “I know these workers would take a bullet for me. We have to make sure they’re treated fairly and properly.”
See more:
“Baltimore City Councilmembers pushing for bill to increase wages for security guards” — Link “Baltimore City Council to introduce a bill aimed at increasing wages for commercial security officers” – Link
