Office security guards set for a strike

Security guards at Twin Cities office buildings may strike this week, possibly as early as this morning.

By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune

Last update: February 25, 2008 - 12:36 AM

Hundreds of security guards at office buildings in Minneapolis and St. Paul are poised to strike this week, perhaps as early as this morning, a union official said Sunday.

Over months of talks, the most recent of which took place Saturday, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and five major security companies have failed to resolve differences over health insurance costs and training standards, said Javier Morillo-Alicea, president of SEIU Local 26, which represents the guards.

The union has argued that building owners should be able to pay security companies more to protect their properties since a 2001 reform lowered their taxes. The owners contend that operating costs are up and that they look for competitive bids from security firms.

Guy Thomas, spokesman for the security companies ABM, American, Securitas, Triangle and Alliedbarton, said Saturday's 12-hour meeting with union officials made progress toward a health insurance package, retirement plans and sick leave. The companies have not been officially notified of any strike plans and another negotiating session is set for March 6, he said.

"We want our employees to have an affordable health care program," Thomas said. "... but we want to work through the negotiation process to come out with an agreement that is in everyone's best interests."

The average security officer is paid $11.76 per hour and most do not have health insurance, union officials have said.

Thomas said companies that would be affected by any strike have contingency plans to ensure that security posts are staffed.

The current contract covers close to 800 security guards. On Sunday night, Morillo-Alicea said the union still had not been determined whether some or all of the guards would strike or picket the buildings.

Buildings affected by a strike would include the IDS Center, Block E, the Hennepin County Government Center, U.S. Bancorp and LaSalle Plaza. Teamsters who drive some delivery trucks have agreed not to cross picket lines, he said. The Central Labor Council has also sanctioned the strike, meaning unionized construction workers also would not cross the line. Office workers could enter the buildings, he said.

"We're obviously not asking office workers not to cross," he said. "We're hoping the tenants of the buildings will help the owners realize that it's time for a change."

Abby Simons • 612-673-4921