With their first union contract, suburban security officers grow Local 26 by 1,000 members
Minneapolis, MN - Twin Cities security officers are celebrating today after reaching a tentative agreement with all of their employers that strengthens the middle class through stable, full-time jobs. The major victory came late Thursday, when the remaining six subcontractors finally came to a tentative agreement with 2,000 security officers.

With their first union contract, suburban security officers grow Local 26 by 1,000 members
Minneapolis, MN - Twin Cities security officers are celebrating today after reaching a tentative agreement with all of their employers that strengthens the middle class through stable, full-time jobs. The major victory came late Thursday, when the remaining six subcontractors finally came to a tentative agreement with 2,000 security officers.

Bring your families join SEIU members for our annual member picnic.

It's going to be on Saturday, September 10th from noon to 2pm at Wabun Park (4655 46th St St, Minneapolis, MN 55417).

See you there!

Steve Payne
612-331-8336 x 26
spayne@seiu26.org

Below is a letter from security officer John Vinje to suburban security officers in the Twin Cities area.

To My Fellow Suburban Security Officers:

Hope you all had a safe & Happy Holiday Season!

Now that we are past this very busy time of the year, we can start thinking about why it's important to vote yes for our union. Here's why I voted yes for our union:

When my parents were still in the work-force, my mother worked for some fairly well-known, large companies here in the metro area, but was not a member of a union. My father, on the other hand, worked for a large hardware company and he was a member of a union. I can remember the problems my mother had with her employers regarding time off, discipline matters, job openings, and many other things. That company always seemed to win those disputes, and my mother usually didn't have anybody else to stick-up for her in those matters. On the other-hand, whenever my father had problems at work, all he needed to do was contact one of the union stewards, and they would help resolve whatever the problem was. Problems always seemed much easier to overcome where he worked.

So why do I think it's important to vote yes for our union? Let me tell you the important issues to me:

• Training: will make it easier to obtain any training that is related to my career.
• Wages: will give a better wage scale, one that will be more competitive in the current market; one that will allow me to "survive" in this economy, rather than having to decide which bills to pay on paydays vs. the opportunity to be able to eat.
• Holiday pay: If you had to work any of the recent Holidays, did you receive any extra pay for doing it? Doubtful, 'because I know I didn't. That really isn't fair, even if those days might be a "normal" work day for you.
• Been sick lately? Did you get paid for the days you were out sick? Not sure about your company, but I know the company that I currently work for, does not have paid sick days. Can you afford to stay home, even if you're sick? I know I can't: so then, the choice is go to work, and spread around the germs so everyone else can get sick, or stay home without pay, and then try to figure out how to pay bills that you already can't pay.
• Have you been unfortunate and had a death in the family lately? Does your company even have a funeral leave policy? If it does, are those days off with pay? I know in my company they are not paid. Why should you be forced to take unpaid time off for a family member's funeral? Most large companies have paid-time off for funerals.
• Health / Dental / Eyes: Can you afford to go to the doctor or dentist currently? Or get new glasses or contact lenses? Most private insurance plans are cost prohibitive; we simply can't afford them. Or, the plans offered by a Company cover so very little that the cost of the plan just isn't with it.
• Shift / Job openings: If a permanent shift opens up at your current site, do you get to bid on it? If a permanent position opens up within your company, do you get to bid on it? I know at my company, it seems like there are "favored" employees out there, who get first chance at these types of openings. I know recently, at the site I am at, there was a shift opening: as soon as I heard about it, I applied for it, only to find out that it had already been filled. Also, there was a job opening with better pay; within a day of seeing the posting, I called our main office to "apply" for the position, only to find out it had been filled.

There are many other reasons that we should vote yes for our union, and I hope to hear from you about what you think is important.

Again, hoping that you all had a great Holiday Season, and have a very Happy New Year!!

J.L. Vinje

G4S Security officer Emory Hall has been a member of SEIU Local 26 since September 3, 2010, when Emory and his co-workers won union representation.

Now he's assisting suburban security officers fighting for representation and a strong union.

"I like my job and I like being a union member," he says. "When people join together, they're stronger than they are by themselves."

"And because SEIU is a large national union, we have more power in case we need to speak out," the native of East Chicago, Indiana, adds.

That power in numbers helped gain paid holidays, significant wage increases, a guaranteed annual raise for the life of the contract and a reduction in health care insurance costs.

"For any suburban officers who are thinking about joining the union, I don't see any downside for them. In fact, it's all positive," Emory said. The experience has been so positive that Emory has put in to become a union shop steward in order to be the union's frontline in his work site.

"I've worked for non-union companies," security officer and SEIU Local 26 member Harrison Bullard says, "and they were... okay. But there was always some favoritism and repercussions if you spoke up about issues in the workplace."

"With a union, you will have a voice," Harrison adds. "Suburban officers should know that with a union, you will be heard."

As a member of the bargaining committee during the last round of contract talks, Harrison and other security officers fought for higher wages, affordable healthcare, paid sick leave and job protection when work sites change security companies.

"We won an opportunity to stay at your post when the companies change. Just because the companies change, doesn't mean you have to change," Harrison said. "You still remain at the same post under the union contract due to the fact that the company lost the contract -- you didn't lose the contract."

"The only thing we have to change is our uniform," Harrison added.

"We all do better when we work together as one voice," says Securitas security officer at and SEIU Local 26 member Donna Alexander. "I found being on the bargaining committee for our last contract to be an exhilarating experience because we were so much more effective working together."

Growing up in a household where unions were scorned, Donna didn't always think that way about organizing.

After she took a job as a security officer to gain health insurance, she began to see that working together helped everyone do better.

That changed her mind about unions and how they could make life better for all officers at her worksite at Ameriprise Financial in downtown Minneapolis.

"I saw the power of our union especially during negotiations," Donna says. "We were equal with the bosses."

A grandmother and occasional stand-up comic, Donna helped negotiate "regular raises, decreased premiums for my health insurance, which in turn has saved me $80 a month. I get definite vacation days and holiday pay; I get more respect." She's been actively lending at hand to help suburban officers organize a union and bargain for the sorts of wages and benefits she enjoys.

"Suburban officers: belonging to a union will benefit you immensely, on more levels than you can think off now. Not just your status, not just your pay and your job, but it will benefit your well being."

Talk to Roger Schutt for a few minutes about organizing security officers in the suburbs, and you gain an appreciation of why his fight is so vital.

A Whelan security officer at Boston Scientific's campus, Roger routinely receives the appreciation of the tenant's employees and property managers--but can barely live on his wages while supporting his seven-year-old daughter. Although he is subject to chronic back pain, Roger is unable to afford health insurance.

But the irony of protecting the safety and security of a large corporation in the medical industry while going without his own health care hasn't made Roger cynical. Instead, he is talking to his fellow officers about winning a majority sign-up election.

"The elites in this country have a club and we're not in it," Roger says. "The only thing keeping working people from becoming the working poor are the unions."

Roger's eyes were opened about the power of a strong union when he served on the bargaining committee at another unionized employer in 2007. He learned that, hand in hand with other unions, he can win better health care, wages, training and job protections with a union.

Roger wants more from life for his daughter, whom he describes as a "great reader, a talented dramatic artist" and a great card player. With a union, he's hoping to win better wages so that he can afford the ordinary things a bright child needs -- educational toys, time outdoors, movies -- as well as more of her father's time.

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

Security officers from around the country are joining SEIU Local 26 members and community allies to organize suburban security officers in the Twin Cities.

Through the 17th to the 24th, community allies, SEIU Local 26 members and community allies will come together to help in the campaign.

Can you join us for a shift? Use the link below to sign up - we'll partner you with someone who has experience and you'll go out and talk to suburban officers at their worksites or homes about signing a card.

Click here to sign up: http://26.seiu.org/page/s/voteyes

ABM security officer and SEIU Local 26 member Renita Whicker knows first-hand what a great union contract can do for officers who've won the fight for a union. She's one of 1000 Minneapolis and St. Paul officiers who are Local 26 members.

"I was on the bargaining committee and that was very exciting," the energetic grandmother and Georgia native said. "We had an excellent package for health insurance. Everybody was excited to be getting that because we'd never been offered it before."

Renita explained that under the old plan, single people might be able to afford health care under the employer's plan, but the insurance that the company offered was out of reach financially for families. She and her co-workers won a contract that changed all of that. The security officers were also able to win paid sick days and holidays, Renita adds.

Rita believes that standing with 1000 suburban security officers is just common sense.

"We will be strong in unity. Two thousand officers will have a big impact when it comes time to take a step," she tells suburban officers.

She looks forward to having that impact in 2012, when their contract comes up again.

"The suburban officers should get on board with us," Renita said. "If they've gotten any word of our reputation, they know we accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. They will find union membership to be very beneficial."

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

Having just won a union through a majority-sign up election, 60 of Minneapolis' Block by Block "Downtown Ambassadors" have become members of SEIU Local 26.

Like suburban security officers at seven companies who are now conducting a majority sign-up election, the Block by Block Downtown Ambassadors work for a firm that agreed to be neutral during the organizing campaign.

The workers' new contract became effective July 1. SEIU President Javier Morillo-Alicea reported that the contract "equaled or improved the standard of both our security contract and our cleaning contract." Workers with one year of service saw their pay increase from $11.50 per hour to $13.22 per hour. "Workers who got significant raises were quite happy," Morillo-Alicea noted.

Block by Block was contracted by the Downtown Improvement District to help raise the quality of life in the city.

Downtown Ambassadors, like security officers, help the public and keep people safe. These new union members pick up litter, direct visitors and provide a safer downtown. "Our mission is to make downtown a safer, cleaner environment for everybody," said Michael Jacques, St. Louis Park.

Michael clearly relishes his work as he patrols the streets of downtown Minneapolis: "You're making a positive influence in people's lives."

As a new union member, Michael also relishes the new lessons that come with power in the workplace. "Now we've got to learn to work together as a union and company," said Michael, who helped negotiate the contract and now serves as a union steward.

This fall, he will be standing with suburban security officers who are conducting a majority sign-up election.

Read more about Block by Block in an article by Steve Share at Workday Minnesota.

Photo credit: Sam Mukherjee, Minneapolis Labor Review

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

"I'm voting for the union because I want security to be a proud and honored profession," says Eric Meade, a security officer .

Eric is especially proud of those many times when he's come to the aid of people having medical problems.

As a dedicated professional, Eric believes in loyalty to a company. But he also believes in fair play and respect on the job. That's why Eric voted yes - because officers in SEIU have already won:

• Seniority: Seniority that is maintained across accounts within a company and maximizes public safety by encouraging veteran officers to stay on the job.
• Fair Pay: Regular yearly raises that gradually improve the jobs on which our economy relies.
• Affordable Healthcare: For $40/month this year, and just $20/month by 2012. Security officers are able to visit the doctor when they're sick, helping to keep the entire community healthy.

"As security officers, we do a lot for our community," Eric says. "Winning a contract will allow us to do more. I hope our contribution becomes regarded more highly by this society. That includes better compensation, better benefits, and more recognition of the vital service we provide."

Eric is not alone. Suburban security officers at seven companies are now conducting a majority sign-up election and union members, and allies will be standing with Eric and his co-workers during this crucial time.

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

"I'm voting for the union because I want security to be a proud and honored profession," says Eric Meade, a security officer .

Eric is especially proud of those many times when he's come to the aid of people having medical problems.

As a dedicated professional, Eric believes in loyalty to a company. But he also believes in fair play and respect on the job. That's why Eric voted yes - because officers in SEIU have already won:

• Seniority: Seniority that is maintained across accounts within a company and maximizes public safety by encouraging veteran officers to stay on the job.
• Fair Pay: Regular yearly raises that gradually improve the jobs on which our economy relies.
• Affordable Healthcare: For $40/month this year, and just $20/month by 2012. Security officers are able to visit the doctor when they're sick, helping to keep the entire community healthy.

"As security officers, we do a lot for our community," Eric says. "Winning a contract will allow us to do more. I hope our contribution becomes regarded more highly by this society. That includes better compensation, better benefits, and more recognition of the vital service we provide."

Eric is not alone. Suburban security officers at seven companies are now conducting a majority sign-up election and union members, and allies will be standing with Eric and his co-workers during this crucial time.

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

"I'm voting for the union because I want security to be a proud and honored profession," says Eric Meade, a security officer .

Eric is especially proud of those many times when he's come to the aid of people having medical problems.

As a dedicated professional, Eric believes in loyalty to a company. But he also believes in fair play and respect on the job. That's why Eric voted yes - because officers in SEIU have already won:

• Seniority: Seniority that is maintained across accounts within a company and maximizes public safety by encouraging veteran officers to stay on the job.
• Fair Pay: Regular yearly raises that gradually improve the jobs on which our economy relies.
• Affordable Healthcare: For $40/month this year, and just $20/month by 2012. Security officers are able to visit the doctor when they're sick, helping to keep the entire community healthy.

"As security officers, we do a lot for our community," Eric says. "Winning a contract will allow us to do more. I hope our contribution becomes regarded more highly by this society. That includes better compensation, better benefits, and more recognition of the vital service we provide."

Eric is not alone. Suburban security officers at seven companies are now conducting a majority sign-up election and union members, and allies will be standing with Eric and his co-workers during this crucial time.

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

An Iraq War veteran, Allied Barton employee and SEIU Local 26 shop steward Kevin Chavis has worked in security for eight years. He now works at the Wells Fargo Building in downtown Minneapolis.

"Too many companies intimidate their workers and scare them," Kevin says. "...But workers have a lot more rights than they realize."

He enjoys being a shop steward for workers at his building, since with his efforts as a go-between. "Everybody knows what's going on with the union, the union knows what's going on where I work."

His co-workers "know that they have someone like myself who is working on their behalf so that they have a voice in the union," Kevin adds.

When he started working at an organized company, Kevin's wages went from $9/hour to $13/hour. Healthcare is better with the union plan, too. He took his son to the doctor for a problem and his insurance covered it. Without the insurance plan, he would have had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket.

Kevin tells suburban security workers "It's worth your time to join the union because the union is not just some other separate entity. The union is every worker."

"And as workers, we deserve good livable wages, we deserve good insurance, good benefits, we deserve to take time off to do what we want with our lives."

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

An Iraq War veteran, Allied Barton employee and SEIU Local 26 shop steward Kevin Chavis has worked in security for eight years. He now works at the Wells Fargo Building in downtown Minneapolis.

"Too many companies intimidate their workers and scare them," Kevin says. "...But workers have a lot more rights than they realize."

He enjoys being a shop steward for workers at his building, since with his efforts as a go-between. "Everybody knows what's going on with the union, the union knows what's going on where I work."

His co-workers "know that they have someone like myself who is working on their behalf so that they have a voice in the union," Kevin adds.

When he started working at an organized company, Kevin's wages went from $9/hour to $13/hour. Healthcare is better with the union plan, too. He took his son to the doctor for a problem and his insurance covered it. Without the insurance plan, he would have had to pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket.

Kevin tells suburban security workers "It's worth your time to join the union because the union is not just some other separate entity. The union is every worker."

"And as workers, we deserve good livable wages, we deserve good insurance, good benefits, we deserve to take time off to do what we want with our lives."

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

Minnesota security officer John Graham believes in mutual responsibility. Workers help the economy. The economy should help workers too.

That's not the way things are working out.

"It's the damn investment companies and banks that blew up the economy," John says. "While they benefited before, during, and after the crisis, working people are hurting."

John, an employee of Securitas, joined SEIU in 2004 and is now the most senior union security officer in Minnesota. He is taking a leading role in giving workers a voice in how individual companies--and our economy--are run.

John's accomplishments are many. This past winter he organized and chaired a meeting between security officers at a public housing facility and management that resulted in the installation of 23 space heaters in public housing lobbies to help 70 officers weather Minnesota's notoriously cold winters. He also helped his coworkers win reduced healthcare costs--from the current $40 a month to $30 a month in 2011, and $20 a month in 2012. And, of course, raises.

"We won 50 cent raises each year," John says. "That amounts to one thousand dollars a year--seven times the size of raises we used to get. It's not enough to buy a yacht and go to Europe on but it makes a big difference to me. My wife and I were able to go out on our anniversary and we even took a trip to Savannah, Georgia. It's a beautiful city, with lots of art museums and galleries--a beautiful place to sit and to walk."

Now John is applying his leadership--and his desire to promote mutual responsibility--to the big picture. By running for delegate at a precinct caucus of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, John is helping determine the direction of the country. "It's democracy," John says. "The people coming out of these caucuses go on to Governor, Senator or the U.S. House of Representatives. Now I know how it works."

Click here to receive Twin Cities email updates from SEIU Local 26.

In a groundbreaking victory that will pave the way for similar gains by other workers in Minnesota, private security officers in Minneapolis and Saint Paul won access to affordable health insurance, higher wages, improved training and equipment, and sick leave in a tentative contract agreement reached late last night with their employers.

"I have four kids without health insurance, so this contract will make all the difference for my family," said Howard Worley, a security officer at Town Square in Saint Paul and a member of the union bargaining committee. "Now we need to keep it going and win affordable health care for everyone who stood with us and for all working families in Minnesota."

"I congratulate the security officers and companies on reaching a contract agreement that will ensure the health and safety of those who work to keep our city safe every day," said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. "Everyone in the Twin Cities won today," added Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, "I hope that this marks the beginning of a broader solution to the health care crisis in our state."

The five-year agreement, which will be put to a ratification vote on Saturday with a recommendation by the bargaining team for approval, includes the following improvements:

• Affordable health care for full-time security officers for the first time ever.
• Single Coverage reduced to $20 per month. The employer's premium contribution for single coverage will increase from as little as 57% now to 96% by the end of the contract, while the monthly cost to employees will drop from as much as $190 per month now to $60 per month immediately and $20 per month by the end of the contract.
• Family Coverage reduced to $260 per month. The employer's premium contribution for family coverage will increase from as little as 20% now to 65% by the end of the contract, while the cost to employees to cover themselves and their children will drop by as much as $570 per month and will be capped at $260 per month for the duration of the contract.
• Major wage increases of 25% - 32% that begin to lift working families out of poverty. Wages will increase by at least 50 cents in each year, with some officers seeing increases of up to $3.20 over the course of the contract.
• A process for building stronger training and equipment standards to improve public safety in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Officers at Block E in downtown Minneapolis have already been fitted for bullet-proof vests as a result of heightened public awareness due to security officers' efforts.
• Sick days that will allow full-time security officers to access the health care they need to stay healthy at work.

The tentative bargaining agreement with security contractors ABM, Allied Barton, American, Securitas, and Viking comes after officers held a one-day strike in February highlighting the need for affordable health care for all Minnesotans.

"This victory for security officers is a major step forward in restoring Minnesota's middle class," said Javier Morillo, president of SEIU Local 26. "Now, working families in the Twin Cities are prepared to keep up the fight to show what can and should be done to ensure everyone in our state has access to quality, affordable health care."