Security guards stage protest at IDS; 9 arrested

Security guards handcuffed themselves together and encircled a kiosk in the IDS Crystal Court at noon  today to  call for a contract that includes affordable health care, and to get  representatives from five companies providing security services back to the bargaining table.

Nine members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, which represents about 800 security guards in the Twin Cities, were arrested for civil disobedience and whisked away on a Metro Transit bus. Union members say they believe that this is the first time in the nation's history that private security officers charged with protecting the community and promoting safety were arrested for violating the law.

Union member Fred Anthony II, who was not arrested, said guards engaged in the unprecedented move after they voted 278-11 earlier this month to reject an offer made by the security companies they work for and talks between the two sides broke off. No new talks have been scheduled.

"You need strong and healthy security guards to protect the buildings," Anthony said while standing outside the IDS Crystal Court. "We want them to come back to the table."

About 75 security guards and members of SEIU Local 26 carried signs, blew whistles and chanted "You Protect the Dream" and "Health Care Now" as police arrested nine union members and nine clergy and community members demonstrating in support.

Wendy Burt, a spokeswoman for the ABM, Allied Barton, American, Securitas and Viking security companies, said the companies are working on a new health care plan to present to the guards and will return to the bargaining table when that is done and they can give a specific plan with a specific premium amount that employees will pay. She could not say when that would happen.

"The companies are still working on narrowing down a health plan that they can offer to the employees of each company," she said. "We are committed to finding a solution to the health care issue, which is the outstanding issue. We are working to resolve it."

A federal mediator involved in the case said she could not comment on the situation.

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 includes those provisions.