–Private Security Officers Fight to Maintain Standards and Quality Health Care for All Officers–
New York, NY – May 10, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Hundreds of private security officers and their supporters rallied in downtown Manhattan to demand a fair contract.
The security officers called for raising standards in the private security industry – including fair wage increases and the extension of employer-paid quality health care benefits to those pockets of officers without such coverage.
Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer addressed the rally and expressed support for the officers.
“The men and women of 32BJ risk their lives every day to provide security to the buildings that make New York’s economy hum,” Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said. “It is only fair that all private security officers have access to quality, affordable health care. A fair contract will cover 100% of these workers, and should offer universal access to the core benefits that working families in New York City so desperately need.”
SEIU 32BJ first raised standards in the industry with its initial wave of contracts four years ago to cover security officers. Improvements included better training, benefits and pay that lifted many officers out of poverty. While the vast majority of Local 32BJ-represented officers receive employer-paid health coverage, the union seeks to both maintain this coverage and extend it to those remaining officers without it.
Security officer Bettina Herbert says security officers like her have made strides since the contract. But Herbert, who works for a major contractor in Midtown, is asthmatic and needs health coverage. She is proud that she and her coworkers have “won paid sick days and paid vacation.” But, Herbert said, “Without health care coverage, the cost for my asthma medication comes out of pocket.”
Many of Local 32BJ’s security contracts are up for negotiation this spring. In mid-April, SEIU 32BJ member security officers ratified a new deal with the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations, which covers officers at major commercial buildings owned by Tishman Speyer, the Rockefeller Group, Silverstein Properties, the Durst Organization and Vornado Realty Trust. The RAB agreement raised wage standards and provided for a comprehensive benefits package that includes family health coverage, paid sick days, vacation leave, and other benefits.
SEIU 32BJ Secretary-Treasurer Héctor Figueroa said an objective of the renewal negotiations is to ensure health care coverage for all contracted officers.
“Our members are determined to protect their good jobs and quality health care coverage, which is critical to their families. Health care is a vital part of what makes these jobs good jobs that strengthen communities,” Figueroa said.
32BJ represents 15,000 security officers who protect commercial office buildings, higher education facilities, government facilities, museums, libraries and stadiums in the Northeast region. Members of the union protect high-profile sites, including the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, Yankee Stadium, Fordham and Columbia Universities, all three of New York City area airports, the George Washington Bridge, the World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
With more than 120,000 members, including 15,000 private security officers, 32BJ is the largest security officers union in the country.
Contact:
Michael O. Allen 212-388-3805;
917-494-6197
Maia Davis 212-388-3696
