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Some of Baltimore’s contracted security workers say they have reached their limit, citing what they describe as unfair labor practices and poor working conditions.
Security guards employed by Abacus Corporation, which provides security for numerous city buildings, are not unionized. However, they say they are prepared to strike as early as next week if the company does not agree to negotiations.
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The workers made their demands clear during a rally at City Hall on Tuesday, July 15.
“We think that a company that gets $45 million from the city since 2017 should be able to do better for the workers and the people of Baltimore who actually fill those contracts,” said Jaime Contreres, executive vice president of labor union 32BJ.
Worker Complaints and Demands
Employees claim they face a lack of paid time off, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, and health insurance that is too expensive for many to afford.
Laverna Stackhouse, one of the guards at the rally, spoke about the financial strain. “It’s not affordable for our hospital bills, doctor bills, medicine … I need (the insurance) because I have hypertension.”
Another security guard, Laura Dixon, described an impossible choice. “It’s either keep a roof over my family’s head, or have to do without health care, and that’s not fair to me or my family.”
Approximately 150 Abacus employees are ready to strike if the company does not come to the negotiating table. Contreres warned that if that happens, “the city facilities where those workers work (won’t be) safe and secure, which these workers have been doing for many, many years under deplorable conditions.”
Workers also reported being stationed in buildings without heating in the winter or air conditioning in the summer.
“You shouldn’t be treating humans this way,” Dixon said. “Everyone deserves health care, everyone deserves a vacation, paid time off, family bereavement, everything. We just want respect, you know.”
Company Response
Abacus disputed the allegations in a statement provided to WBAL-TV 11.
“Abacus Corporation has been alerted that there is a rally scheduled (on Tuesday), organized by a labor union alleging ‘unfair labor practices’ and ‘poor working conditions’ at City of Baltimore job sites. We strongly disagree with the allegations being made. For over 80 years, Abacus has been a highly responsible employer based in Baltimore and cares deeply about our employees.
“Abacus recently negotiated a new agreement with the city that provided a 20% pay increase for each employee resulting in among the highest wages for any unarmed security officers in the region.
“In addition, Abacus offers affordable health insurance (as defined by the ACA): dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance. Each of our employees also receives paid time off, as required by the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Anyone who claims otherwise is not telling the truth. We have always advocated for and highly prioritized employee welfare and have done so in a direct relationship with our employees and intend to continue to do so.”
