D.C. Security Guards Get FIRST Union Contract

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301764.html

By Alejandro Lazo
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, April 14, 2008; Page D01

Four private security contractors have reached an agreement with a union to raise wages and provide benefits to about 1,500 security guards working in the District's office buildings.

The agreement, signed last week by the Service Employees International Union and Admiral Security, AlliedBarton, Guardsmark and Securitas, is the first union contract for private security guards working in commercial buildings in the District.

The agreement is part of a national campaign by the SEIU to organize security guards. The deal covers about three-quarters of the District's office building security guard workforce, the union said.

The security guards will earn at least $12.40 per hour or receive a raise of at least 50 cents per hour, whichever is more. The final contracts went into effect Wednesday.

"It means they are starting to respect the security guards," said Raquel Mack, 21, of Northeast Washington, who began working for AlliedBarton two years ago while attending the University of the District of Columbia. "We are the first line of defense if anything happens downtown. We have to protect most of the people and their property."

The companies agreed to pay for health insurance for all full-time workers. Part-time officers will not get health insurance, but they and their families will receive employer-paid benefits such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and life insurance.

FULL story at link.