At a time when many workers are facing deep cuts in pay and benefits -- leaving families, communities, and local businesses to suffer the consequences -- union security officers at Harvard University have won significant job improvements.
With the support of Harvard students, dining hall workers, and Cambridge community leaders, on September 23 Harvard's 270 union security officers -- employed by Securitas and members of SEIU Local 615 -- won a new five-year contract.
The officers' contract will:
- Move the average wage to $17.60 per hour.
- Guarantee top wages of $20.00 per hour by the end of the contract.
- Increase the number of full-time jobs.
- Provide fully-paid individual and family healthcare for employees working 16 or more hours per week.
- Provide 12 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.
- Provide a six percent employer contribution to the workers' pension plan.
"I'm very happy that an agreement's been reached," officer Shawn Lynch said in The Harvard Crimson. "Everybody wants to have a peaceful work environment. You want to feel supported by your employer."
Student supporters were pleased. "Security guards are obviously a very important part of this institution," student William P. Whitham told The Harvard Crimson. "It says a lot about our institution that it treats its workers fairly."
Security officers throughout the country are paying attention. By coming together it is possible to win good jobs for our communities and higher industry standards that will keep everybody safe.