Twin Cities security officers to take strike vote

The vote, scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Minneapolis Labor Center, would authorize the security officers\’ bargaining committee to call a strike to protest bad-faith bargaining, if necessary.

After months of negotiations, security officers and their employers have yet to agree on improvements for workers and their families such as affordable health insurance and better training standards to improve public safety, Local 26 said.

The five largest office properties in the metro area – Normandale Lake Office Park, 225 South Sixth, IDS Center, Wells Fargo Center, and US Bank Plaza – together paid more than $15 million less in property taxes in 2007 than in 2001 as a result of property tax reforms. Despite building owners\’ savings, security officers who protect these office buildings do not have access to affordable health insurance, the union said.

The Workers Interfaith Network, an organization of faith, labor and community leaders, is organizing people to show support at Saturday\’s vote.

The strike vote "is a bold step toward ending poverty, sharing prosperity, and providing health care for all," WIN Director Matt Gladue said.

"This is a crucial turning point in this campaign. A strike vote by janitors last year set off an intensive series of actions to win justice for workers. We have the same chance to make a difference in this campaign. Come support workers on Saturday, and come learn more about what you can do."

The contract covering security officers and window cleaners at commercial buildings expired Dec. 31.

For more information
See the Workday Minnesota special section, "Stand for Security" campaign