BALTIMORE — Security guards and union workers gathered in Harbor East Friday afternoon, calling for the right to unionize.
The guards, who work for Abacus Security, say they are seeking better pay, more workers on the street, and protections from what they describe as an unsafe and unstable work environment.
Justin Poyner, a security guard, said the lack of union representation leaves workers vulnerable.
"Right now we have no protection. Like when our boss gets pretty much aggressive, angry, things like that, he can just fire us on the spot. We've been in danger in a lot of situations, and we really just need protection, money, and the ability to protect our family."
One former employee said her effort to join the union cost her her job.
"I believe I was unfairly terminated on the 4th of July after I decided to take action and join the union event," said Erica Wilson.
Abacus Security sent a statement saying in part: "We are proud of how we treat the men and women who work at Abacus. Feedback from our employee engagement sessions consistently shows that our employees value their jobs, pay, and benefits."
The company added: "This model has been effective for our workforce and the Baltimore community for more than eighty years. We remain grateful for our workforce and their daily commitment to our mission and clients."
Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos voiced her support for the guards' right to organize.
"I support our security guards. Our security guards across the city, I know would take a bullet for me and for others, and so they deserve better working conditions," said Ramos.
The guards say unionizing would help them secure better pay and put more officers on the street to improve public safety.
FULL STATEMENT:
We are aware that SEIU has organized a publicity event for August 21, and we want our employees, clients,and community to know where we stand.
We are proud of how we treat the men and women who work at Abacus. Feedback from our employee engagement sessions consistently shows that our employees value their jobs, pay, and benefits — and we're committed to maintaining our high standard for employee satisfaction. Our employees enjoy excellent wages and benefits, which stems from our commitment to our employees.
We do not expect this routine day-long union tactic to affect our ability to serve our clients, and our teams will continue to provide the same high level of service our clients have come to expect from Abacus.
We believe employees are best served when they can raise questions or concerns directly. Our door remains open, and we continue to encourage anyone with questions about pay, benefits, or their job to speak directly with their site management or HR. This model has been effective for our workforce and the Baltimore community for more than eighty years. We remain grateful for our workforce and their daily commitment to our mission and clients.
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