Allied Universal security officers rally for better wages

Security officers of SEIU 32BJ picket for liveable wages | CONNOR PUGH / THE TEMPLE NEWS

Philadelphia security officers affiliated with the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ picketed and held a press conference at Broad Street and Polett Walk Monday afternoon amid their contract negotiations. 

 Workers protested low wages, which they called unsuitable for sufficient living conditions, and vowed to strike if a better contract with Allied Universal, one of their primary employers, is not reached. 

SEIU 32BJ is a labor union with more than 2 million members internationally that represents workers in healthcare, the public sector and property services. Local 32BJ represents a large portion of the Northeast United States, including Philadelphia. 

SEIU employees operate security services across Temple campus, including dormitories and campus buildings. Allied Universal employees also serve security positions at Temple hospital locations, Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. 

The union negotiates directly with Allied Universal, not Temple or other university employers. 

“Temple University welcomes peaceful demonstrations like what we saw today. It is important to note that Allied Universal is a Temple vendor, and the University does not negotiate the terms and conditions of Allied’s contract with SEIU Local 32BJ,” a university spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Temple News. “Nonetheless, we value the important contributions of Allied’s employees who are SEIU members and recognize the key role they play in helping to maintain the safety of our campus community.” 

Speakers additionally called upon universities who utilize Allied Universal services, like Temple and Drexel, to demand their contractor provide better wages to their employees. 

Allied Universal’s wages can be as low as $16.25, according to a SEIU press release. 

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas and former Philadelphia Mayor John Street spoke alongside union organizers at the event. 

“We represent over 3,000 security officers here who protect Temple, Penn, Drexel, all these high rises and are making as little as $16.25,” said Daisy Cruz, 32BJ district leader in the Philadelphia area. “Our members have been saying from the beginning that they need dollars not cents.” 

Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ is a current advertiser with The Temple News. It did not have a say in the writing, reporting or posting of this story.