On Saturday, February 9, hundreds of security officers and community allies gathered for security officers’ strike authorization vote, the first of its kind in the Twin Cities. Security Officers voted overwhelmingly to authorize our bargaining committee to call a strike, if necessary. The affirmative vote means security officers could walk off the job at any time in protest of unfair labor practices by the security companies, who have cancelled a bargaining date and silenced officers for bringing safety concerns forward.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Congressman Keith Ellison joined leaders from religious organizations Worker Interfaith Network and ISAIAH; labor leaders from Teamsters Local 120 and other unions; and community groups to support security officers in their decision.
Watch Mayor Rybak's speech on YouTube:
Twin Cities Security Officers protect properties owned and managed by some of the highest-profile business leaders in the Twin Cities, including US Bank and United Properties/NorthMarq. Despite protecting these multi-million dollar properties, security officers often struggle to get by. They make as little as $10.00 per hour and health insurance premiums can be as high as $835 per month.
Watch Security Officer Howard Worley address the crowd with his thoughts about what we're fighting for:
Security Officers are standing up for affordable family health insurance and better training standards to make our communities safer.
It’s time for the security companies to step up and address these community interests.
News Coverage of Our Strike Authorization Vote:St. Paul Pioneer PressMinneapolis Star TribuneKSTP TVWorkday Minnesota