Security firms, guards reach contract deal

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: April 10, 2008 - 12:17 AM

Twin Cities security guards and their companies have reached a tentative agreement on health care, wages and training. Guards will vote Saturday.

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Twin Cities security guards and the companies they work for have reached a mutual tentative agreement on health care, wages and training, averting a strike that could have commenced as early as today or Friday.

Representatives of the five companies -- ABM, Allied Barton, American, Securitas and Viking -- and members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, which represents 800 security guards, struck a deal late Tuesday, officials from both sides said.

Guy Thomas, a spokesman for the five security firms, said the agreement still has to be ratified by union members. A vote is scheduled on Saturday, a union spokesman said.

The new deal calls for wage increases of 25 to 32 percent with hourly wages rising by 50 cents in each of five years covered by the contract. Some will see raises of $3.20. Additionally, health care costs to single employees will drop to as low as $20 by the end of the contract. Currently, each pays $190 per month; that will drop to $60 immediately. Family coverage will be capped at $260 a month, the union said.

Other provisions include sick days and better training and equipment, a statement from the union said.

Twin Cities security guards have been without a contract since the beginning of the year. The average security guard now is paid $11.76 per hour and most do not have health insurance, union officials have said.

TIM HARLOW