Jimena Rojas

When officers form a union, they have the ability to solve workplace problems, which increases morale and decreases turnover. Security officers work through their union to win decent wages and fair treatment, which leads to a sense of pride, loyalty and cohesion among officers. When officers are treated as security professionals, both performance and longevity … Read more

Combined with better wages and benefits, comprehensive training programs can further reduce turnover and develop the skills of high-performing security professionals. Rigorous employer/union training programs are especially important in today’s lax regulatory environment–which sets few standards for security officers–and in failed markets where contractors slash training budgets in order to compete on cost. For those … Read more

The “Great Recession” and its aftermath continue to impact our nation’s economy. For many U.S. businesses, demand has shrunk while costs have remained constant or even risen. Meanwhile, competition is as grueling as ever. But as tough as the current economic climate is, the world we operate in is even tougher. Every day, businesses face … Read more

Just days after security officers won major improvements on the job from Apple, service workers and their allies marched through the heart of Silicon Valley to urge other tech companies to jump on board the movement for broad prosperity. “Apple and Google’s decision serves notice to the irresponsible security contractors who still deny workers a … Read more

The security officers leading the charge to provide opportunity for diverse service workers in Silicon Valley just scored a major victory. Apple announced it was replacing contracted work done by irresponsible contractor Security Industry Specialists (SIS) with stable, full-time security jobs with benefits. “We welcome Apple’s decision to take responsibility for the women and men … Read more

Security officers were catapulted onto the national stage this week with big-time mentions in everything from a radio story about working class struggles to a speech by likely presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Clinton’s words, in particular, reverberated in the halls of a conference attended by leaders of many Silicon Valley tech companies. She referenced the … Read more

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted the rapid pace that Pittsburgh security officers are forming a new, market-wide union with SEIU 32BJ. Pittsburgh security officers looking to improve emergency training as well as pay and benefits, were joined by allies from the International Association of Fire Fighters. Firefighter Darrin Kelley emphasized the importance of having well-trained, experienced … Read more

Tracison Casarrubias, who protects Amazon headquarters for Security Industry Specialists (SIS), was featured in a national broadcast on President Obama’s paid sick leave proposal. The Seattle community was on the forefront when they succeeded in passing a paid sick leave law in 2012, and this leadership was also noted in the broadcast. However, SIS didn’t … Read more

Amazon has two major office developments in the pipeline, which could more than double its Seattle workforce. But it still has a long way to go with respect to its current workforce. That is according to Rev. Jesse Jackson, who has joined the chorus of voices asking Amazon to ensure that good, stable jobs are … Read more

The Bay Area’s storm of the century closed school districts across the region, but it couldn’t stop security officers from marching with the Rev. Jesse Jackson to Apple headquarters–or from delivering 20,000 signatures from their supporters! “There’s another face of the tech industry–and you’re looking at it,” said Silicon Valley security officer Michael Johnson. “I … Read more

I come from four generations of U.S. military service. When my family was evacuated from a war zone shortly after my birth, they never dreamed that one missing signature would mean I’d have to fight for the right to serve my country. Once I finally enlisted in the National Guard, and was activated to stop … Read more

Asked about the quality of security work in Oakland, U.S. Navy veteran John Robinson will tell you that security officers have come a long way since the days when the job paid $6.50 an hour without benefits. He credits the improvement to his fellow security officers who over the years have banded together to bargain … Read more

When Frank Lacy lost his job in commercial real estate, he turned to what he knew second best after serving 8 years in the Navy: watching after people and valuable property in a high-stakes environment. At first, the job transition went smoothly. Not only was it important to protect the trade secrets of large tech … Read more

Former SIS security officer Daivon Young is featured in the National Employment Law Project (NELP)’s new report designed to help Seattle’s leadership understand just how hard it will be to enforce the city’s new $15 minimum wage–if they don’t get the community involved in a big way. Many employers like SIS retaliate against employees who … Read more

Google’s decision to drop irresponsible security contractor Security Industry Specialists and instead provide quality, full-time work for its security officers, comes after broad worker protests in Silicon Valley calling on tech companies to do a better job providing opportunities to all tech workers. The Wall Street Journal hailed the decision as “a move that could … Read more

With debuting the iPhone 6 in retail stores across the country, security officers and their supporters educated customers at Apple Stores in 22 cities about big tech’s economic toll on struggling service workers who contribute to the industry’s success. The protests were a part of National Day of Action with supporters standing in solidarity with … Read more

Silicon Valley has a diversity problem, alright. But it’s not what you think. After months of watching high-tech companies disclose their employees’ demographics in response to public pressure, many of us had gotten the idea that the tech industry is driven primarily by white and Asian employees. Most companies disclosed that their black and Hispanic … Read more

California janitor Maria Granados took a stand for security officers August 28 when she was arrested during a rally at Apple’s flagship store in San Francisco. Granados was part of a group that included workers, labor leaders, and community and religious organizations–all of whom came to the store to speak out against Apple’s subcontracting policies … Read more

I was suspended from my job on Monday. As a security officer for Security Industry Specialists (SIS), I protect Amazon headquarters in Seattle. The reason SIS gave for my suspension is I “rested my feet.” But I know the reality. The reality is I see how poorly SIS treats their workers, and I have been … Read more

Apple launched its latest line of consumer products this summer–including those with technologies like GPS and touchscreens that were developed with tax dollars. At the same time, Bay Area activists attending the company’s developers’ conference in San Francisco called on Apple to be a good neighbor by paying its fair share of taxes and supporting … Read more

(CC) 2005 James Duncan Davidson The Seattle Human Rights Commission sent a letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on June 4 asking him to address human rights concerns of the security officers protecting Amazon’s employees and headquarters. Nearly two months later, Bezos has failed to respond. Now all nine Seattle councilmembers have authored a follow-up … Read more

When was the last time an entire body of elected officials agreed on anything? Seattle City Council may be setting the gold standard for cooperation–at least when it comes to important issues that affect the city’s economy and the quality of life of its residents. When Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos failed to address the Seattle … Read more

Press Contact: Greg Ramirez (206) 850-0539 gramirez@seiu6.org Seattle Council Members Tell Amazon CEO to Investigate Accusations, Treat Contract Employees Fairly, and Strengthen Seattle’s Economy SEATTLE – “Subcontracted employees deserve respect, too” was the message sent to Amazon Corp. CEO Jeff Bezos this afternoon by Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant and a delegation of community … Read more

I lost the opportunity to do work I loved, and to support my three-year-old daughter, Ari, when Security Industry Specialists (SIS) fired me after Ari got sick. I was a security officer at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, and I really saw my job as making the Amazonians feel safe and at home. Two years ago, … Read more

Just like Darth Vader had to choose between the dark side and doing good, security officer Charles Wilson says that Google is at a crossroads. “Right now, security officers like me can’t afford to buy a lot of the products produced by the tech companies we protect.” Wilson was part of a coalition of security … Read more

The members of the City of Seattle’s Human Rights Commission (SHRC) weren’t exactly palling around when they sent their first letter to Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon. They wrote with an urgent warning about Amazon’s security contractor, Security Industry Specialists (SIS). The commission says SIS “is operating in a manner that likely violates the … Read more

Members of SEIU United Service Workers West joined union workers from Central Labor Councils across California to deliver a message to Apple – and give customers at Apple stores the opportunity to do the same. Community members in four counties called on the tech giant to contribute to California’s future with personalized messages. Customers participated … Read more

Security officers who protect the downtown Seattle headquarters of Amazon.com attended the company’s annual shareholder meeting to call on Amazon to hold its security contractor accountable to basic standards of conduct it has adopted for its suppliers. Amazon’s security officers are organizing with SEIU Local 6 but facing intimidation and retaliation from the company’s current … Read more

Historic First-Ever Union Contract Improves over a Thousand Jobs for Underpaid Workers and their Families At a time when the national movement for economic fairness has seen airport workers, fast food workers, and decision-makers–from state legislators to ordinary citizens–fighting to increase the wages paid to our country’s most underpaid workers, New Jersey security officers have … Read more

Security Officers who work for Brantley Security in Baltimore have been fighting for higher wages, affordable healthcare, and respect on the job. The officers, who have garnered the support of local leaders such as Baltimore City Council President Jack Young and Rev. Witherspoon of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, were called to lend their support … Read more

The San Francisco Bay Area’s KCBS radio ran a story last week contrasting Silicon Valley’s “unimaginable riches” with its “heartbreaking poverty.” “Half of the kids in our schools are either receiving free or reduced lunches,” Meghan Fraley, of the Mountain View-based social justice group Politically Inspired Action, told KCBS. Gail Nyhan, also of Politically Inspired … Read more

Security officer Daivon Young is heading to Hollywood. But he’s not looking for fame. He’s looking to rebuild Seattle’s middle class by forming a union at Amazon. “We need change,” Daivon says. “We need a voice on the job.” Stand with Daivon & SIS security officers – send a message to the Academy. Daivon works … Read more

Many consider the New York Stock Exchange’s surpassing of the 16,000 mark an indication that the economic recovery in the United States is well underway. However, much of the growth in the recent economic recovery has been fueled mainly by the growth in low paying, low-wage jobs. In contrast, the jobs that sustained and built … Read more

As America thanks those who have worn our country’s uniform this Veterans Day, the Service Employees International Union’s Stand for Security–the nation’s largest security officers union–is releasing a report on working conditions for 230,000 veterans in the mostly low-wage security industry. “I live with friends and eat at a soup kitchen,” says Mark Reeves, a … Read more

After three days of urging security industry clients to choose responsible contractors who back good jobs for America’s veterans, a small brigade of vets is saying goodbye to ASIS 2013 in Chicago. “When clients say yes to responsible contractors who pay fair wages and allow their officers the freedom to form a union, they’re saying … Read more

Los Angeles security officer Warren Reed takes every chance he can to help other people. That’s why this week the former Marine is in Chicago, urging attendees of the ASIS 2013 security industry convention to support good jobs for 200,000 American veterans now working as security officers. “When they’re asked, veterans give up so much, … Read more

Philadelphia security officer Kevin Upshaw–a member of 32BJ-SEIU–is in Chicago this week urging attendees of ASIS 2013 to support good jobs for our nation’s veterans. The ASIS International 59th Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2013) is the security industry’s largest networking event, attracting more than 20,000 security professionals from around the world. Kevin, a veteran … Read more

SAN FRANCISCO, CA–Encouraged by tech company Yelp’s decision to drop security firm Security Industry Specialists (SIS) in favor of a more socially responsible contractor, security officers intent on reducing Silicon Valley’s growing income divide called on fellow tech company Square to follow suit at a rally outside the company’s San Francisco office Wednesday afternoon. “We’re … Read more

Universal Protection Service recently lost its multi-million dollar security contract with the San Diego County Department of General Services after its first year on the job. The Department of General Services contract covers nearly fifty locations providing vital services to the public ranging from courthouses and community centers to juvenile halls and libraries. Universal acquired … Read more

San Francisco–In a major victory for 5,000 security officers united in SEIU-USWW, workers Thursday night won a tentative agreement on a new union contract that will raise security industry standards and improve jobs that officers’ families and communities rely on. “We won thanks to the support of people all over the Bay Area who care … Read more

Negotiations Resume But Targeted Walkout Still Possible San Francisco, CA – Nine people were arrested earlier today while supporting 7,000 Bay Area and Los Angeles security officers who have been negotiating for good jobs since November. The arrests come on the same day contract negotiations with security companies resumed. “It’s good news that our employers … Read more

Dozens of activists will protest outside a shareholder meeting to call on Google to join the fight against income inequality by using responsible contractors that provide their employees with enough hours to make a living and respect workers’ rights, including the right to form a union. Google’s founders understand that for a company to thrive, … Read more

San Francisco–In the heart of San Francisco’s wealthy financial district, seven people were arrested yesterday while blocking traffic at the intersection of Pine and Montgomery Streets in a security officers protest over Bay Area income inequality. “I’m a fourth-generation San Franciscan,” says security officer Matt Roberts. “The middle class built this city and made it … Read more

On Wednesday April 17, local security officers joined together with elected leaders, academics and members of the community to discuss the problem of rising income inequality in Silicon Valley, one of the wealthiest areas in the world. The meeting saw the launch of a paper: “Poverty in the Midst of Plenty: The Security Industry and … Read more

As Apple Inc investors met for the company’s February 27 annual meeting, Security officers from Silicon Valley gathered to demand their right to form a union. The officers drew international attention to their work to restore a pathway into the middle class for hard working people in an area that has one of the highest … Read more

With their first union contract, suburban security officers grow Local 26 by 1,000 members Minneapolis, MN – Twin Cities security officers are celebrating today after reaching a tentative agreement with all of their employers that strengthens the middle class through stable, full-time jobs. The major victory came late Thursday, when the remaining six subcontractors finally … Read more

Apple Inc. has come under heavy criticism recently for inhumane working conditions suffered by subcontracted employees, especially those at Apple supplier Foxconn in China. To its credit, the company is trying to solve the problem by pushing for stronger unions there.1 You may not read about them in the headlines, but here at home in … Read more

Ask Minnesota security officer Paul Keith what’s going on and he’ll tell you. “The rich want to take this country back to the days of the robber barons,” he says. “For the middle class that means economic collapse, bad schools, broken-down housing, and debt–student debt, medical debt, mortgage debt. The middle class is being systematically … Read more

Few people have felt the impact of America’s shrinking middle class like Minnesota security officer Robert Bertrand. “I went from making $80,000 to making $18,000,” Robert says. “That’s $4,000 below the poverty line. It’s sad.” Robert, a father of two, remembers a different way of life. “When you’re middle class you have a pension and … Read more