Thousands of security guards employed by major Philly-area employers have secured significant pay raises and improved benefits under a new four-year union contract.
The 32BJ division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced the agreement, which brings an average hourly wage increase to $20.55 per hour, representing the largest pay boost in its 91-year history.
According to the union, this represents a substantial raise for security officers who have been working on an expired contract since September 30th. The new contract includes fully employer-paid dental and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, which will greatly benefit campus officers whose health benefits were previously discontinued during the summer months.
The agreement also includes three additional paid holidays, new short-term disability benefits, protections against hairstyle discrimination, mandatory overtime pay restrictions, and guaranteed job postings on online platforms. Furthermore, employees with three years of seniority or more will now receive an extra paid day off.
"It was more than a union fighting for a contract," said Gabe Morgan, executive vice president of the 32BJ SEIU. "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 guards, who mostly work on Temple, Drexel, and Penn campuses, as well as high-rise buildings in Center City, came together with fellow employees from New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia to negotiate with major security employers. Allied Universal, the largest security employer in the country, has yet to respond to comments regarding the agreement.
The union's efforts have led to significant improvements for its members, as Daquan Gardner, a Temple Hospital security officer, stated: "We don't wear capes, but every single day we carry courage on our shoulders. We didn't just win a contract, we claimed dignity, respect and our rightful place in this city."
The 32BJ division of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced the agreement, which brings an average hourly wage increase to $20.55 per hour, representing the largest pay boost in its 91-year history.
According to the union, this represents a substantial raise for security officers who have been working on an expired contract since September 30th. The new contract includes fully employer-paid dental and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, which will greatly benefit campus officers whose health benefits were previously discontinued during the summer months.
The agreement also includes three additional paid holidays, new short-term disability benefits, protections against hairstyle discrimination, mandatory overtime pay restrictions, and guaranteed job postings on online platforms. Furthermore, employees with three years of seniority or more will now receive an extra paid day off.
"It was more than a union fighting for a contract," said Gabe Morgan, executive vice president of the 32BJ SEIU. "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 guards, who mostly work on Temple, Drexel, and Penn campuses, as well as high-rise buildings in Center City, came together with fellow employees from New Jersey, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia to negotiate with major security employers. Allied Universal, the largest security employer in the country, has yet to respond to comments regarding the agreement.
The union's efforts have led to significant improvements for its members, as Daquan Gardner, a Temple Hospital security officer, stated: "We don't wear capes, but every single day we carry courage on our shoulders. We didn't just win a contract, we claimed dignity, respect and our rightful place in this city."
I think its awesome that these security guards got such a big pay rise 
they deserve it after working hard to keep us safe 
the extra benefits like life insurance and dental/vision coverage will make a huge difference for them 
especially campus officers who used to lose their health benefits during the summer 
what's crazy is that these jobs can be a path to the middle class 
its not just about security guards, but also the workers who support them like janitors and cafeteria staff too 
I think it's dope that the union was able to negotiate such amazing benefits for security guards. $20.55 an hour is a total game-changer! 
These guys were getting roasted by everyone else on campus, but now they're getting the respect they deserve. I'm all about Gabe Morgan saying these jobs have the potential to be a path to the middle class... that's some real talk right there 
I mean, think about it, they've been working hard to keep people safe and now they're getting a huge pay raise and better benefits?! That's awesome! 
I wonder how much of a difference this will make in their lives, though? Like, do they have any savings or could they use more money for other things? 
It sounds like these security guards are actually getting treated with respect and dignity, which is awesome. 
I'm also happy they're getting life insurance and dental/vision coverage - that's super important for their health and well-being.
I mean who wouldn't want an extra $20.55 an hour on top of a pretty standard job? 
life insurance too?! that's amazing for their families. not to mention three more paid holidays 
short-term disability benefits are super important, we all know how unpredictable work can be.
like life insurance and dental/vision coverage it's amazing what the union did for them 