DC commercial security officers – members of 32BJ SEIU -- have ratified a new four-year agreement with the city’s largest security contractors, covering nearly 3,000 commercial security officers. The contract includes fair wage increases and maintains benefits at their current level, according to the union. “I’m happy about this contract because it will help us a lot with our everyday living and medical expenses, especially for people with big families,” said Bruce Barfield, a security officer protecting the National Geographic Society building and 32BJ SEIU bargaining committee member. “It helps us get more respect and allows us to better support the communities where we live.” photo: April 4 SEIU 32BJ security guard demo; photo by Chris Garlock/Union City Led by CWA 2336, Verizon strikers are stepping up their picketing activities in the District this week, with full coverage of three Verizon Wireless stores in DC and rallies planned for both today and tomorrow. "The picketing is clearly having an effect on Verizon," says Local 2336 president Terry Richardson, "and with DC such a high-profile area, we want to make sure that everyone in our nation's capital knows about Verizon's attempt to wipe out good jobs." Today's rally is set for 5p at the L Street Verizon Wireless (see Calendar, at right) and tomorrow's will be at the F Street store at 2p. Area activists are also urged to show their support by signing up for a shift on the line in DC this week. photo: at last week's DC Verizon picket; photo by George Farenthold/OPEIU 277 Although the proposed deal only increases payroll costs by 2% and is paid for in the budget, the Montgomery County Government Operations Committee last week voted to send UFCW Local 1994, along with the police and firefighter's unions, "back to the table to renegotiate our contracts," Local 1994 told its members last week. Union members flooded the Council's chambers on Thursday to demand the Council respect the bargaining process. "Stand strong!" Local 1994 urged. "We will get through this..." The annual DC Labor FilmFest starts this Friday; which of these films is NOT being screened at the FilmFest? Concussion, Horrible Bosses, or Suffragette? Click here to submit your answer and you could the winner of a pair of free passes to the Labor FilmFest! |