Security Officers Who Protect Kaiser Permanente Hospitals Nationwide Vote Overwhelmingly to Ratify First-ever Union Contract

Security officers with SEIU United Service Workers West who protect Kaiser Permanente hospitals nationwide voted overwhelmingly today to ratify their first-ever union contract. The three year contract with private security company Securitas—which is contracted by Kaiser to protect its facilities—includes family healthcare and higher wages for the 2,000 officers that are stationed at Kaiser facilities in California and across the nation. Of the 2,000 nationwide, 1,600 guard facilities in California.

The historic contract—the first national union contract for security officers—will increase hourly wages by at least $.40 per year for all officers. For many officers the increase will be much greater as the contract sets new minimum wages. The lowest paid officers will see increases as high as $1.20 per hour the first year of the contract. The contract also ensures that officers will receive quality healthcare coverage for themselves and their families.

“This is a great victory.  Like any parent, I worry about being able to take care of my children if they get sick. I’m happy that I will be able to depend on quality care at the same Kaiser facilities that I protect every day.”

— Dale Brown, security officer at the South Sacramento Kaiser Permanente Hospital and member of the bargaining committee

“Winning healthcare and wage increases is not only a momentous victory for security officers at Kaiser, it also demonstrates that when workers come together and  form a union they can win a path to the middle class. All parties should be applauded for coming together to reach a fair and just agreement.”

—Eddie Iny, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU United Service Workers West

 The new contract is the first ever for security officers who protect Kaiser Permanente facilities. The victory by officers at Kaiser also has national significance—it is the first national contract for private security officers.

“Security officers stood together and won the affordable healthcare and wages that everyone needs in order to take care of themselves and their families.”

—Rev. Eric Lee, President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Los Angeles.