Standing Together Works

Security officers that speak out about their working conditions are sometimes punished with reduced work schedules or, even worse, termination. With the support of their fellow officers, community and SEIU Local 615, officers will have a voice, and we can finally improve working conditions and security throughout Boston and Cambridge.

Harvard Success Story

More than three years ago, security officers who protect the campus of Harvard University approached SEIU Local 615 and asked about how they could also organize a union. Officers when compared with other campus service workers were far behind in wages and other benefits and had no recourse against unfair disciplinary actions.

Through organizing security officers learned to stand up for themselves. They also learned that fighting for better pay, more training, and fairer practices meant winning. They forged a coalition with supportive faculty and students. Officers shared their stories – about their struggle to make ends meet, about the pride that they have in their jobs, about their hopes for their futures and the futures of their family. Their stories sparked a movement by the larger Harvard community to win improvements in the campus security jobs. Officers, students, and faculty marched and rallied together. Students went on hunger strike, officers authorized a strike and in the end officers won.

The first Union contract for this group provides a future where once there was none. Through dedicating themselves to training officers are able to advance in pay. All officers achieved basic needs such as sick days and paid vacation, as well as there is now a fair system by which officer disputes with management can be resolved.

Chicago Proves It Can Work

Security officers in downtown Chicago office buildings have been united in SEIU Local 1 for more than 50 years, and in 2002, officers in the Chicago suburbs also won a union. Because they united, they now have guaranteed, regular pay raises, full employer-paid health plans, pensions, paid holidays, personal days and other important benefits. Training levels for officers have also improved. Chicago has not seen an increase in building costs associated with these great efforts but they have seen a vastly improved security force, a greater sense of security, and a turnover rate as low as 25 percent.

San Francisco: Another Success

San Francisco Bay Area security officers, as part of SEIU Local 24/7, recently ratified a historic, first-of-its-kind master contract giving the 3,300 officers a 24 percent increase in total compensation, full employer-paid health insurance, paid holidays and paid sick days. In addition, an accredited, accountable officer training program has been established.

It can work in Boston, too. Join the campaign