San Francisco Security Guards Strike for Increased Wages and Benefits Amid Stalled Negotiations
Security guards in San Francisco staged a one-day strike to demand higher pay, improved health and retirement benefits, and better training from their employers. The union, SEIU, is seeking an average wage of at least $30 an hour, a significant increase from the current average of $22 to $23 an hour, which union President David Huerta states is insufficient to sustain families. Contract negotiations with major security contractors, including Allied Universal, Securitas, and GardaWorld, have been ongoing for months but have stalled. One security guard, Jakia Lane, highlighted the dangers of her job and the necessity of a second job as a hair stylist to make ends meet, emphasizing the need for employers to protect their guards. Allied Universal, one of the contractors, indicated they are focused on reaching an agreement and have made substantial progress in negotiations.
