Philadelphia-area Security Guards Score Big Pay Raises Under New Union Contract
About 3,000 security guards working for top employers such as Temple University, Drexel University, and several high-rise buildings in Center City have secured a four-year contract with significant pay raises and improved benefits. The new agreement, ratified by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) earlier this week, brings hourly wages to $20.55 per hour after a 4.30 percent increase.
The largest security employer in the country, Allied Universal, did not immediately comment on the new contract terms. However, workers can expect fully employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as three additional paid holidays. Furthermore, they will receive new short-term disability benefits and protections from hairstyle discrimination and mandatory overtime hours.
The union said that this new contract represents the largest pay raise for security officers in its 91-year history. Employees with three years of seniority or more will also receive an extra paid day off. All job vacancies will be posted online, a move seen as a positive step towards reducing unemployment among security personnel.
"This was not just a union fight," said Gabe Morgan, executive vice president of the SEIU's 32BJ division. "These jobs have the potential to be a path to the middle class that allows workers to live in the places they work so hard to protect."
Security officers who typically don't work during the summer will now have their health benefits reinstated when they return in the fall, addressing concerns about job security and benefits. The union has also been pushing for legislation in Philadelphia City Council that would enact minimum training standards for security officers.
The new contract marks a significant victory for workers who have been on strike since September 30, fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. According to one security officer at Temple Hospital, "We didn't just win a contract, we claimed dignity, respect and our rightful place in this city."
About 3,000 security guards working for top employers such as Temple University, Drexel University, and several high-rise buildings in Center City have secured a four-year contract with significant pay raises and improved benefits. The new agreement, ratified by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) earlier this week, brings hourly wages to $20.55 per hour after a 4.30 percent increase.
The largest security employer in the country, Allied Universal, did not immediately comment on the new contract terms. However, workers can expect fully employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as three additional paid holidays. Furthermore, they will receive new short-term disability benefits and protections from hairstyle discrimination and mandatory overtime hours.
The union said that this new contract represents the largest pay raise for security officers in its 91-year history. Employees with three years of seniority or more will also receive an extra paid day off. All job vacancies will be posted online, a move seen as a positive step towards reducing unemployment among security personnel.
"This was not just a union fight," said Gabe Morgan, executive vice president of the SEIU's 32BJ division. "These jobs have the potential to be a path to the middle class that allows workers to live in the places they work so hard to protect."
Security officers who typically don't work during the summer will now have their health benefits reinstated when they return in the fall, addressing concerns about job security and benefits. The union has also been pushing for legislation in Philadelphia City Council that would enact minimum training standards for security officers.
The new contract marks a significant victory for workers who have been on strike since September 30, fighting for fair wages and better working conditions. According to one security officer at Temple Hospital, "We didn't just win a contract, we claimed dignity, respect and our rightful place in this city."
so like, these security guards are getting a big pay raise after a 4.3% increase, and now they're making $20.55 an hour... that's pretty sweet 
I wonder what kind of job requires security work, is it just for hospitals or schools too? 
how long did they have to be on strike to get this contract through? was it worth it? 
also, why do they need 3 extra paid holidays, are they not getting enough time off already? 
I'm kinda curious about the hairstyle discrimination thing too... is that a common issue in the security industry? 
. I mean, $20.55 an hour isn't exactly poverty wages or anything, but let's be real, it's still a relatively low-paying job. And while it's great that they're getting benefits and extra days off, it's not like they're exactly rolling in the dough 
.
! It's all about unionizing and standing together for what's fair 
. This new contract is more than just a pay raise - it's a statement of self-worth 
. We should take a page from their book and remember that our worth isn't measured by the work we do, but by who we are as human beings 
. It's time for us to reevaluate what matters most in life and prioritize dignity over dollar signs 
!
! I mean, $20.55 an hour is like, major props 
. Plus, no more mandatory overtime or hairstyle discrimination 
. It's like, totally fair and reasonable. I'm loving the union's push for minimum training standards too - safety first, fam! 
. These security guards were fighting for their dignity, respect, and a better life... and they won 
!
. The fact that they're getting fully employer-paid dental and vision insurance is a huge win 
Now if only the big employers would take note and do the same for their other employees...