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SF Security Guards Reach Tentative Labor Agreement

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Nov 30, 2007 5:18 pm US/Pacific

SF Security Guards Reach Tentative Labor Agreement

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Security guards on strike in San Francisco
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Security officers and the companies they work for have reached a tentative agreement in their contract negotiations, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced Friday.

Service Employees Union International Local 24 members and their employers have met more than 20 times since their contract expired June 30, Newsom said at a news conference at City Hall. But it wasn't until 11 p.m. Thursday that they finally agreed to the terms of a new five-year contract that will include a 27 percent pay increase and enhanced health benefits that will cover families up to 80 percent.

Approximately 2,000 employees in San Francisco could be affected by the decision, said Newsom, with another 2,000 in the East Bay if union members approve the contract. The members will conduct a ratification vote Dec. 8.

The agreement could be a model for other U.S. cities with similar conflicts, said Newsom.

"So often it starts here," he said. "I'm proud of that as a San Franciscan."

Bob Randall, a security officer who has worked in one of the largest office buildings in the city for the last 10 years, said receiving health benefits is a huge step for workers who have to put their lives on the line.

"We are professionals," he said. "We are the first responders. (Health insurance) is large. What a wonderful way to end this."

In addition to federal mediator Erin Spalding, President of the San Francisco branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Rev. Amos Brown also helped with negotiations. Amos will serve on a commission that will continue to work on working conditions.