Earlier this month low-road contractor First Security Services (AKA First Alarm Security and Patrol)--a private security company based in Northern California—lost its largest commercial account at the premier office park of Bishop Ranch in San Ramon Valley.

The Bishop Ranch complex is a thriving shopping, dining and office center with thousands of visitors covering 10 million square feet of office, retail, food and entertainment space.

This loss comes on the heels of escalating actions by Bay-Area security officers who allege First Security is a company riddled with problems--including paying substandard wages and a lack of respect for workers’ rights.

In California, First Security has been under fire for alleged wage theft violations including a January 2015 class action settlement with over 2,400 current and former officers alleging abuses of wage theft and not providing required meal and rest breaks.

First Security agreed to settle these claims for $600,000.

In addition, since 2013, at least six security officers have filed complaints alleging disability, race, gender or ethnicity discrimination with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing against First Alarm/First Security. And in 2014, a security officer filed a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment and retaliation against First Alarm/First Security and another officer that worked alongside her.

Over a year ago, under SEIU’s Responsible Contractor Program, First Security was downgraded to RED—the lowest possible rating—indicating the company has failed to follow responsible practices including paying at or above the prevailing wage scale for the area, prioritizing worker safety, supporting environmental and energy efficiency policies of owners and more. Read letter by clicking here -- First Alarm First Security RCP Designation Letter June 2016

The goal of the responsible contractor program is to improve working conditions, lower worker-turnover, improve training standards which all lead to positive outcomes for security officers, contractors, managers and owners.

To find out more about the program visit Responsible Contractor Guide

Of note, the Bishop Ranch center is undergoing a massive expansion that will include the addition of 60 stores, food establishments, a 10-screen upscale cinema and a park.