Four thousand security guards in Los Angeles just became the newest members of the Service Employees International Union.
Union officials said guards now start at pay as low as $8.50 an hour with no benefits...
Union organizer Jono Shaffer said guards currently make up to $6 less per hour in total compensation compared with union janitors. He called the formation of the union, based on votes at five firms that supply guards to building managers, a "huge breakthrough." The union has organized guards in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and seven other cities, officials said.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, on hand for the victory celebration, spoke about how unions improve the health of overall communities at the same time they make improvements in the lives of individuals.
"A decent wage, healthcare, the right to organize is something that's important to the health of our communities here in Los Angeles."
He also noted the implacations for the city's racial politics. The new union, 70% of whom are black, will affiliate with an existing union representing mostly Latino janitors, pooling the interests and futures of both groups.
Comments (2)
Comments posted to CtW Connect are the sole property of the individual posting them, and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Change to Win, its affiliated unions, or its leadership.
It is good to see the Mayor is full filling some of the things we had all expected from him when he was voted in. The victory in this union is much to his support. It is unfortunate that the union did not support him when he did run for mayor and perhaps they will think twice the next time he runs on whether to support him. But in the main, the victory is a workers victory and it started from the workers themselves...Congratulation...In solidarity SEIU Local 721 Steward
Posted by Richard Castro Jr. on June 2, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Posted on June 2, 2007 at 11:48 AM
At our Company "Smith Security" we have just had a new paroll clerk installed, who has destroyed all previous pay collection arrangements. This has caused me and many of my co-workers extreme hardship. My own case I have so far incurred $400 of Fines and Bank charges which I can never make up. Where can I get help?
Posted by Robert J Farnell on November 22, 2007 at 7:50 AM
Posted on November 22, 2007 at 7:50 AM