Security officers in Portland have always shown patience. For instance, "I have not had a raise in six years while watching my health insurance premiums triple," says Officer Donna Watkins-Neff. And for the past two years--worker by worker--Portland officers have patiently built their union, now 500 strong. But as negotiations for their first-ever city-wide union contract drag on and on--they began last August--the patience of Portland security officers is finally wearing thin.

Now Portland security officers are displaying their courage. More than 30 officers wore buttons asking, "So, how much am I worth?" to a recent bargaining session. Officer Jim McPhee reports that thanks to the silent show of strength and courage, the companies grew somewhat more reasonable throughout the day. When the companies were slow to return to the bargaining table, security officers paid a few visits to company offices on January 10. "I took action with my fellow officers last week because we need bargaining dates to secure our first contract to raise standards in the private security industry," says Officer Michael Zak. Officer Watkins-Neff adds, "I joined my co-workers to show that I am not invisible and am not afraid." The courage paid off. Negotiations to improve security industry standards in Portland recommence February 6 and 7.