At the request of companies handling security for San Francisco Bay Area's landmark office buildings, a federal mediator has joined negotiations to address a demand from SEIU Local 24/7 for wage and benefit increases of over 100 percent during the next five years.
"A federal mediator is now actively involved in our negotiations, but we are very concerned about the union's astronomical financial demands," said Guy Thomas, the chief negotiator for the security companies. "The security companies have offered increases totaling 25 percent over the next five years, but the union is demanding 100 percent in increased wages and benefits. That's simply unrealistic by anyone's standards."
Security companies said the combined cost of the union's proposal would be a staggering $954 million in new wages and benefits for Bay Area security officers. "Frankly, nearly a billion dollars of added cost to property owners and their tenants is not acceptable," said Thomas.
After several days of intense negotiations, the parties reached agreement on all non-economic subjects for a new labor contract on Thursday. The companies agreed to provisions in a new contract that include:
- increasing the number of shop stewards.
- leaves of absences for personal reasons.
- direct deposit of paychecks.
- a procedure for the companies to fill vacant positions by taking into account employee preferences in work location, schedules, and wage rates.
"We believe our latest proposal represents a very positive step toward resolving these negotiations," said Guy Thomas, spokesman for the security companies. "Now it is time for SEIU Local 24/7 to do their part and drop this ridiculous contract demand for a 100 percent increase in wages and benefits."
Last week, less than one percent of the 5,500 security officers under union representation participated in a brief strike called by Union leaders. The Union is currently under Federal investigation for alleged illegal strike activities.
Security companies involved in current negotiations include ABM Security Services, AlliedBarton Security Services, Securitas Security Services U.S.A. and Universal Protection Service.
"We welcome the participation of a federal mediator, who we hope can help convince SEIU to bargain in good faith," Thomas said. "Our proposed contract is fair and is in line with the typical wage increase for many working Americans, exceeding the national Consumer Price Index."
For more information, contact Sam Singer at Singer Associates 415-336-4949.