DC Security Officers Ratify New 4-Year Contract

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Private security officers in Washington, D.C. have unanimously ratified a new four-year contract covering 1,700 officers who protect most commercial office buildings in the District. “This contract is a smart investment in both our economy and in protecting Washington’s commercial office buildings,” said Jaime Contreras, Capital Area Director for 32BJ SEIU. “I am the first point of contact for every issue that might arise in my building, the tenants depend on me for their safety,” said Krystal Coleman, a security officer who protects a downtown office building. “Bargaining this contract gives us more respect.” The contract provides an immediate hourly 40 cent wage increase and a yearly 3% total compensation increase in subsequent years. Officers will also maintain fully employer-paid quality health insurance. Gallery Place, the Watergate Offices and the National Geographic Building are among high-profile commercial office buildings that 32BJ officers protect. - photo by Rick Reinhard