Description

This document is a research paper I wrote in February/March 2008 about the SEIU's "Stand for Security" union organizing campaign. The title of the paper is "What About Us? Security Guards, Labor Relations Law, and the SEIU." I begin by tracing the history of labor relations law as it relates to security guards, and then describe how the SEIU, building upon its successful “Justice for Janitors” campaign, has been able to circumvent the relevant law and organize thousands of security guards throughout the U.S. In particular, I discuss Stand for Security’s origins, organizational structure, basic bargaining objectives, overall approach, and specific tactical strategies. I also summarize campaign developments in cities across the country, and take a more detailed look at Los Angeles, which has been an important battleground for the union. I conclude by briefly noting some of the current issues surrounding the SEIU’s organization and representation of security guards, as well as various factors that may influence the future direction of the campaign.

-Kevin Barry, UCLA