Fenty Urged To Boot Lax Security Company

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

SEIU Local 32BJ is urging DC Mayor Adrian Fenty to boot the security company contracted by the District to guard government buildings, schools and public arenas. U.S. Security failed tests in which inspectors were able to sneak weapons through checkpoints, reported The Washington Post on Sunday. "D.C. taxpayers pay U.S. Security more than $40 million dollars a year to protect our schools and city buildings," says SEIU 32BJ, "but the company is not making the grade. The Fenty Administration should put U.S. Security's contracts out to bid." The local represents 1,500 private security officers who safeguard District offices and educational institutions. In May, reported the Post, "U.S. Security Associates, based in Roswell, GA., had eight weapons violations and 12 other infractions that resulted in up to $3,560 in fines for the firm and its subcontractor, Watkins Security." With the company still the security contractor at more than 76 schools and municipal buildings, Local 32BJ is concerned that U.S. Security's actions threaten to undermine the union's work with "responsible security contractors and elected officials to raise industry standards and improve life for security officers in DC," says Jaime Contreras, 32BJ Capital Area Director. "DC taxpayers and our kids deserve reliable protection at our public buildings and schools." Click here to urge Fenty to take action. - Chris Garlock