Security guards back on job after one-day walkout

Scores of Twin Cities security guards are back at work today after staging a one-day walkout to draw attention to their desire for a contract that includes improved wages and affordable health care.

A spokeswoman representing the five companies involved in contract talks said the two sides will return to the bargaining table March 6 in an effort to hammer out a deal.

"Talks are not at an impasse," said Wendy Burt, a spokeswoman representing five security companies involved in the negotiations. "The companies are working to come up with a health care plan."

Representatives from the security companies of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, which represents the guards, met for nearly 12 hours Saturday, but failed to reach an agreement. Guy Thomas, a spokesman for the security companies, characterized Saturday's talks as "positive" and had asked the guards not to strike before meeting again.

Hundreds of security officers voted Feb. 9 to authorize their bargaining committee to call a strike. The two sides met twice since without coming to an agreement.

Some --but not all --guards who work for ABM, American and Securitas called Monday's strike and walked off the job. They picketed and held rallies outside office buildings where the companies provide security services.

The strike was meant to send a message of urgency, said David Zaffrann, a union spokesman.