Security guards, companies to return to bargaining table

Guards rejected the latest offer in vote taken Tuesday; health care cost are major issue

By TIM HARLOW, Star Tribune

Last update: March 22, 2008 - 11:31 PM

It's back to the bargaining table for Twin Cities security guards and representatives of five companies providing security services after they failed to reach a contract agreement last week.

Wendy Burt, a spokeswoman for the five firms involved in the talks, said the security companies will present a new health care plan that will provide affordable health care plans for single employees and those needing family coverage when the two sides sit down sometime this week. A date and time for the talks has not been announced.

"Each of the companies is dedicated to working with its employees and the union to identify and select an affordable health plan...and we hope to present this plan to the union and employees as soon as possible."

Members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, which represents 800 security guards, rejected a contract offer in a vote taken Tuesday.

Security guards have been without a contract since the beginning of the year and are seeking improvements in wages and training standards along with affordable health care. Last month they staged a one-day walkout to draw attention to their desire for a contract that include those provisions.

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