News & Updates
Massive PRAY-IN at AMAZON HQ in Seattle calling on tech giant, and the companies with which they contract, to create a fair prayer policy and apply it equally to all employees
On Friday February 17th, hundreds of Muslim security employees, tech workers, interfaith groups, labor unions and supporters joined together for a massive…
Muslim security employees who guard Amazon feel targeted for praying during work breaks
Amazon has come out swinging against President Trump’s ban on immigration from predominantly Muslim-majority nations. They went above and beyond to fulfill…
More than 3,000 Silicon Valley security officers who protect tech giants like Facebook win union, set sights on better pay
More than 3,000 security officers who protect Silicon Valley’s booming tech industry just won their union. On Saturday January 28th, security officers,…
Security officers who protect world-renowned Amazon HQ in Seattle demand to know date of next pay raise
Despite Amazon’s record profits, the security officers who guard the successful tech giant’s headquarters in Seattle have not seen a raise in…
Security Industry Specialists (SIS) loses contract at Facebook, layoffs looming in multiple cities
More than a year after losing Twitter and two years after losing Google, the contractor responsible for providing security at Facebook’s U.S-based…
Portland security officer fighting to make sure all officers make $15 an hour, have more affordable health insurance and improvements in equipment for safety
Pam Louie is a security officer born and raised in Portland, Oregon. It’s where her mom grew up and where her grandparents…
Tough times for Muslim security offices in Seattle—one man’s story on fighting prejudice
Quick Read: Essag Hassan has been a security officer in the Seattle area for more than seven years. He works for the…
Union security officers in Minneapolis win excellent paid-training and high-quality equipment
Jesse Lepley has been an officer for more than a year now. At 6’5” and 370lbs, he’s the ‘biggest’ officer at his…
Seattle security officer helping to build union because all officers deserve to be paid enough to live, to eat and to raise families
Sabrina Martin is a proud and hard-working security officer living in the Seattle area. She is surrounded by her close knit family–her…
Seattle officer speaks up about shorted paychecks, wage theft and rights for security officers in the industry
Meadallean is a security officer from South King County in Seattle. It’s where she grew up and where she lives now, raising…
Veteran fights for better pay for Silicon Valley security officers so that no one is forgotten
Mac Young is a proud United States Air Force Veteran—he followed in the footsteps of his six older brothers by enlisting and…
“I make $15 an hour. I have a set schedule, medical coverage and job security. Our union changed my life.”
Security officer Yasmeen Munoz-Torres is a long way from home. Born in Chicago before graduating high school in Miami, she now lives…
Former college football star struggling to get by on Security Officer Pay
David had a full scholarship to play football for a division one school. He played cornerback and can still remember his best…
Fatima wins! Security Company to pay out wage theft case
The last we spoke, Navy Veteran Fatima Sheikh had filed a wage theft claim with the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement—for…
“It isn’t right that companies can receive billions of dollars from the government, violate their employees’ workplace rights, and continue to win big federal contracts”
Military veteran and security officer Jeremy Birchwood speaks about the importance of the Presidents Executive Order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces—which…
30-year military vet speaks up so no security officers go homeless
Ken Wood’s family has always been willing to sacrifice for their country. His older brother was a prisoner of war in Vietnam,…
Can security officers bring stability to San Diego?
Eduardo Sanchez is ambitious. At age 21, he has already held the responsibilities of an assistant security supervisor for over a year….
Troubled Akal Security loses Federal Courts contracts after federal fraud settlements
Troubled New Mexico-based security firm Akal Security recently lost Federal Court contracts in the 3rd and 12th circuits– which covers Delaware, New…
Security officers across US show support for hundreds of Paraguayan officers fired during lawful strike for better pay
Last week marked the 4th anniversary of the massive firing of hundreds of Paraguayan officers by one of the largest security companies…
A lifetime of progress
Idris Aziz has seen—and created—plenty of changes in his 22 years as a security officer in Los Angeles. He’s also gained a…
When the TSA screening contract at SFO went out to bid, 1,000 good jobs were on the line and the safety of our airport and community was at stake.
New Mexico-based security firm AKAL Security recently was eligible to take over the screening operation at San Francisco International Airport. They didn’t…
Now this veteran fights for her family, her fellow security officers, and all Californians
Tiffany Dinkins has spent the last twelve years applying her experience in the U.S. Army to protecting people and property as a…
Winning the battle against cancer and for affordable healthcare
In the 19 years that Linda Sporer has been a security officer, not only has she developed skills as a security professional,…
First Alarm Security sees responsibility rating plummet
SEIU’s Responsible Contractor Guide downgraded First Alarm Security’s standing to “RED” in California this month – its lowest possible rating. First Alarm,…
Why should someone who provides first-rate security face economic insecurity?
Tonie Wilson became a security officer more than 15 years ago—not long before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At that time, she protected…
“I feel like I should be able to offer my son more.”
Trishelle Cardenas has provided security in medical settings for three years. As a weapons screener, she recently stopped a gun from entering…
Statement from SEIU President Mary Kay Henry on Orlando shooting
Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henry shared these thoughts on social media. We thought it was worth sharing them here,…
“I just stepped out on faith because I was tired.”
Los Angeles security officer Marquette Gibson retired after 42 years of full time work. After working in the security industry for 21…
Chicago and New York security officers win $15—and more—through their unions
Security officers at SEIU Local 1 and 32BJ won new union contracts that will bring thousands of officers above $15 and enhance…
Seattle security officers urge Amazon to improve human rights practices—at home and abroad
At a recent Amazon shareholder meeting, Seattle security officer Bryce Walker of SEIU Local 6 spoke in support of a shareholder resolution…
Navy vet: “I would LOVE my job if we were paid fairly.”
Fatima Sheikh became a security officer as soon as she finished her military service. “What I do now is exactly what we…
Securing Safety for San Diegans
Chris Rhudy has been a security officer for over a decade. He’s worked for four San Diego security contractors in that time,…
D.C. security officers spearheading wave of improvements in the District
Washington, D.C. security officers ratified a new four-year agreement with the city’s largest security contractors, covering nearly 3,000 commercial security officers who are…
Chicago security officers ready to stem increase in violence
In the wake of rising violence in Chicago and the deadliest first quarter the city has seen in almost two decades, Chicago…
Speaking up to stop wage theft in the security industry
, a company that contracts to protect real estate for large corporations such as the Irvine Company. Working for SMS, Donyell was…
Security officers rally for safer East Coast cities
Security officers marched PAST some of the iconic buildings they usually protect in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The security officers,…
Akal Security subsidiary pays $1.65 million to settle claims it covered up fraudulent bills paid by U.S. taxpayers
After two managers of a federal security contractor were sentenced in criminal cases, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of…
Disrupting the economy of insecurity
The subcontracted, temp and independent contractor economy is becoming the new normal. Now a new report on Silicon Valley shows that even…
Security officers strike for workforce investment and worker inclusion in emergency preparedness
In the wake of the Brussels attacks, security officers working for Universal Security at O’Hare International Airport went on strike alongside baggage…
Jian Osawa wants to make San Diego safer by organizing his union
Jian Osawa works full time – and then some. With seven years’ experience in the security industry, Jian is still paid so…
Security officers and janitors rising up together across California
Over a thousand janitors, security officers and supporters marched together in San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento and Los Angeles. Members of SEIU…
Security officer standing up for a stronger San Diego
Gerald Walker loves protecting people. “I like making people feel safe, we’re giving a service and I have pride in what I…
Minnesota security officers are the latest winners in the Fight for $15
In the latest victory for working people in the Fight for $15, security officers fought together in their union to raise wages…
Security officers tackle NFL over Super Bowl’s potential impact on San Francisco
testified in front of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. “By associating with an irresponsible security company like SIS, the NFL could…
Security officers front and center in Amazon development discussion
were among those speaking out for greater accountability, as City Council debated granting Amazon access to a public alley for its newest…
Security officers and janitors march through Minneapolis skyways to lift communities of color
, security officers and janitors are leading the charge to rebalance the economy. Members of SEIU Local 26, who are mostly people…
Victory for Colombian security officers
U.S. Security officers and janitors outside the Spanish consulate in September Security officers organizing with the SINTRAVALORES union in Colombia announced a…
Marine veteran and security officer Robert Edwards protects his country, client and family
This Veteran’s Day, we honor and supports our vets by lifting their voices. It’s not enough that we say ‘thank you.’ We…
“If I can help elevate somebody else, that helps my community as a whole. Everyone deserves a living wage.” –Veteran Security Officer Jeremy Birchwood on the Fight for $15
After serving ten years in the U.S. Army, Jeremy Birchwood came home to New York with his two sons. He was surprised…
Air Force veteran, union leader Jimmy Moore
After 27 years in the Air Force, Jimmy Moore is well-equipped to think and react quickly – and as part of a…