Security Officers Lobby in Sacramento and Hold Memorial Day Weekend Actions Demanding Better Workplace Training, Higher Standards

Last week was full of activity and solidarity for California security officers. On Thursday, officers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose gathered to honor colleagues who served in the military and continue to protect their communities. Organized by SEIU-USWW, these actions brought together union members, faith leaders, and community allies to demand respect, safety, and justice on the job.

At each location, officers built an ofrenda to honor fallen colleagues. Among the framed photos was Amin Abdullah, a security officer tragically killed in a senseless act of violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego just days prior.

“We want to pay tribute to the security officer who bravely lost his life to protect others during this attack,” said SEIU-USWW President David Huerta at the Los Angeles action. “As a union that represents over 15,000 security officers across California, we know that these workers are often the first responders in emergencies. His courage reflects the reality of security officers across California, who risk their safety every day to protect our communities.”

These Memorial Day actions served as both a tribute to that sacrifice and a rallying cry for better workplace standards. Currently, security officers are fighting for a fair union contract that secures livable pay raises across the state. They are also urging lawmakers to pass SB 1203 (the Stand for Security Act), which would guarantee comprehensive, standardized training for all officers. To push for the bill’s advancement, more than 40 USWW security officers—joined by out-of-state colleagues and local janitor members—traveled to the state capitol earlier in the week to lobby lawmakers directly. On Wednesday, May 27, the Senate voted to advance the bill to the next committee.

The push for improved training and protection is a matter of life and death for many members.

“Our work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country,” said Sebastian Avalos Tizol, a Bay Area security officer who spoke at the memorial. “One day, I was almost killed, and my photo would have been added to this ofrenda.”

Avalos Tizol shared his heartbreaking story of being attacked and stabbed on the job—an injury that required 23 stitches. Compounding the trauma, he was fired shortly after for taking the necessary time off to recover. “Each officer deserves to be respected as a human being, paid a fair wage to live on in this expensive state, and given the appropriate training to actually do our jobs.”

Despite the immense responsibilities they carry, the majority of California’s security officers are classified as low-wage workers. Many struggle to survive financially, even as they are tasked with protecting some of the wealthiest corporations and properties in the country.

“The world needs us,” said LaTasha Reed, a security officer and member of the USWW bargaining committee. “Without security officers, there would be chaos. The world needs us to keep people safe and protected. We matter, and we deserve better.”