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HISTORIC VICTORY
Security officers at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, recently ratified their first union contract marking a historic victory for frontline airport workers who provide essential security services for passengers, visitors, employees and the City of St. Louis. – SEIU Local 1 photo
After months of negotiations, more than 100 contracted security officers at St. Louis Lambert International Airport voted to ratify their first union contract, marking a historic victory for frontline airport workers who provide essential security services for passengers, visitors, employees and the City of St. Louis.
The agreement, negotiated by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, establishes important workplace protections and economic improvements, including guaranteed wage protections, raises based on years of service and paid time off improvements that are intended to stabilize the workforce and incentivize experienced airport security officers.
Security officers at Lambert Airport organized with Local 1 in June of last year to address high turnover and poor working conditions for first responders performing critical work at one of the region’s most important transportation hubs.
The contract comes after eight months of negotiations between Local 1 and GardaWorld. Workers and community allies continued to push for an agreement that would help stabilize the workforce and recognize the important role security officers play at Lambert Airport.
MAJOR STEP FORWARD
John DeWeese, a GardaWorld security officer, said this is a major step forward for security officers at Lambert Airport.
“My coworkers and I joined Local 1 because we wanted respect, stability and a real voice on the job,” he said. “This agreement proves that when workers stand together, we can win improvements that make a real difference.”
SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Missouri Director Chris Rak said the victory belongs to the officers who stood together, spoke up and refused to give up.
“Now, with their first union contract, Lambert security officers have a foundation for higher standards, stronger job protections and greater respect,” Rak said.
‘IMPROVEMENTS IN AIRPORT OPERATIONS’
St. Louis First Ward Alderwoman Anne Schweitzercongratulated the security officers for achieving their first contract as a union.
“Workers who organize and fight for what they deserve make the market safer for workers everywhere,” Schweitzer said. “I am grateful for the time and effort they put into this huge achievement and to SEIU for their support and advocacy. I believe this contract will lead to improvements in airport operations, and I can’t wait until the next time my family and I fly, so I can congratulate these essential security officers in person.”
SEIU Local 1 unites 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty, food service workers and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.
