Philadelphia-area security guards secure pay raises with new union contract. About 3,000 officers from top employers have ratified a four-year deal that marks the largest wage increase in the union's 91-year history.
The 32BJ division of the Service Employees International Union reached a agreement with several major companies, including Allied Universal, Colonial Security Services, GardaWorld, Harvard Protection Services, and Securitas. The new contract brings an average hourly wage hike of $4.30 to $20.55 per hour, representing a significant boost for security officers.
In addition to the pay increase, workers will now receive fully employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance, three additional paid holidays, and short-term disability benefits. Campus security officers, who often don't work during the summer months, will have their health benefits reinstated when they return in the fall.
New provisions also include protections from hairstyle discrimination, mandatory overtime hour limits, and guaranteed online posting for job vacancies. Employees with three years of seniority or more will receive an extra paid day off.
"This was more than a union fighting for a contract," said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ SEIU executive vice president. "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."
The new deal marks a significant victory for Philadelphia's security officers, who had been working on an expired contract for over a month. The union says that this win not only secures better wages and benefits but also claims dignity, respect, and their rightful place in the city.
For Daquan Gardner, a Temple Hospital security officer, this new contract is more than just a pay raise – it's about being recognized as an essential part of keeping the city safe. "We don't wear capes, but every single day we carry courage on our shoulders," he said.
The 32BJ division of the Service Employees International Union reached a agreement with several major companies, including Allied Universal, Colonial Security Services, GardaWorld, Harvard Protection Services, and Securitas. The new contract brings an average hourly wage hike of $4.30 to $20.55 per hour, representing a significant boost for security officers.
In addition to the pay increase, workers will now receive fully employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance, three additional paid holidays, and short-term disability benefits. Campus security officers, who often don't work during the summer months, will have their health benefits reinstated when they return in the fall.
New provisions also include protections from hairstyle discrimination, mandatory overtime hour limits, and guaranteed online posting for job vacancies. Employees with three years of seniority or more will receive an extra paid day off.
"This was more than a union fighting for a contract," said Gabe Morgan, 32BJ SEIU executive vice president. "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."
The new deal marks a significant victory for Philadelphia's security officers, who had been working on an expired contract for over a month. The union says that this win not only secures better wages and benefits but also claims dignity, respect, and their rightful place in the city.
For Daquan Gardner, a Temple Hospital security officer, this new contract is more than just a pay raise – it's about being recognized as an essential part of keeping the city safe. "We don't wear capes, but every single day we carry courage on our shoulders," he said.
i mean can u imagine having to work in Philly and not even get decent dental or vision insurance lol. it's about time they got a fair shake! 
this new contract is not just a pay raise, it's about dignity & respect - yaaas let's celebrate those security guards who keep our cities safe 24/7 
i'm so inspired by daquan's courage comment - we need more people like him talking about the importance of their work 
I mean, can you believe this? 3,000 security guards gettin' a pay raise like that's crazy talk! I remember when I was workin' in retail back in the day, it was all about gettin' by, not makin' ends meet. But nowadays, it's all about livin' the dream, you know? 
And now they're gettin' dental, vision, and life insurance too?! That's what I call a game changer! 
It's about time someone recognized the value of these security guards. They're not just standin' around lookin' tough, they're keepin' our cities safe! 
Their work is real talk, can't put a price on keeping us safe 4ever 
It's the life in your years that counts. 
and I'm still waiting for them to fix the forum's font issue... anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, security guards getting a pay raise 
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And now they're adding in some nice perks like health insurance and paid time off – good for the workers, I guess. But what about us forum users? When's the last time we got a decent update around here? 
It's not just about the benjamins, though - these workers deserve respect and dignity for keeping our cities safe 
. And can we talk about how fabulous it is to see Daquan's quote? "We don't wear capes, but every single day we carry courage on our shoulders"... *chef's kiss* 
And three more holidays? That's like a mini-vacation just because they showed up to work! 
. Still, four years is a long time - I wonder how many more concessions will they have to make by then? 
I'm literally so hyped for these security guards!!! 
"We don't wear capes, but every single day we carry courage on our shoulders" is literally the truth! 
. I mean, $4.30 to $20.55 per hour is a nice bump, but have you seen the minimum wage increases in some major cities lately? Like, what's the point of all these extra holidays and paid time off if it just means more overtime hours? 
. These new provisions might bring some dignity and respect, but what about the ones who don't get raises or benefits for years on end? 
The union might say it's a victory, but I see more like business as usual 
. But seriously, having decent health insurance and life insurance is a big deal for security officers who are out there risking their lives every day. And it's about time they got some respect too!
. And I love what Gabe Morgan said about it being a path to the middle class - its not just about the money, its about feeling proud of your job 
. Security guards often get overlooked, but they're the real unsung heroes 
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. They're basically working without health benefits for half the year! That's just not cool. And let's be real, it's not like they're asking for the moon 
. Just some basic respect and decent pay would do them justice 
. It's about time security guards get some respect, especially when you think about how many years some of these guys are working in the field 
- it's all about recognizing the importance of these workers in keeping our cities safe 
. The union's victory is a win for Philly and shows that workers can make a real difference 
That's amazing news for those security guards! I'm so stoked to see them get a major pay raise