Prudential Turns Deaf Ear to Security Officers
Friday, March 28, 2008
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Security officer Jaime Carrasco looked over his notes in the cold
rain Thursday afternoon outside a downtown DC office building. "I have diabetes
and need medication," said Carrasco, rehearsing what he planned to say to
building property management officials. "Security officers need health coverage
we can depend on for us and our families." Carrasco and a delegation of fellow
security officers and faith leaders planned to tell their stories and ask
officials of the building management company, Prudential, to support Securitas
security officers - who provide security in their building - in their fight for
quality employer-paid healthcare. But Prudential officials not only refused to
listen but called building security and police to have the delegation removed.
"Securitas is refusing to provide health care benefits to its workers," said
SEIU 32BJ Organizer Abdul Camus. "I have talked to workers who say that half of
their salary is going towards healthcare." Security officers and their union, SEIU 32BJ, are
currently negotiating with Securitas and other security companies to increase
wages, benefits, and improve working conditions for District security officers.
After being kicked out of the Prudential offices by police, Carrasco and the
delegation vowed they would not be deterred and will continue to pressure
Prudential and other management companies to build support for their struggle.
"We need to keep doing it," said Carrasco. - report by Andy
Richards