Washington, D.C. – 32BJ SEIU security officers, who protect the overwhelming majority of D.C. commercial office buildings, have ratified a new agreement with the city’s largest security contractors, covering around 2,000 officers. Hourly wages will increase by $4 over the four-year contract, their highest since joining 32BJ SEIU in 2008. Officers will earn at least $23.29 by 2025, with increased retirement benefits, maintains current employer-paid healthcare, and provides two new paid holidays and time and half for working holidays.

“I can feel better about myself as a provider knowing I’ll be able to pay bills and not need to skimp on expenses for my kids,” said Helen Raynor, a 32BJ security officer and bargaining team committee member. “We aren’t just the first line of defense for our tenants every day, we sacrificed both our safety during all of the protests and our health during the pandemic.”

“With growing security concerns in the District, it’s more important than ever for security officers to receive wages that match their sacrifice to keep us safe,” said Jaime Contreras, an Executive Vice President of 32BJ SEIU. “Maintaining a secure and welcoming environment is necessary to bring workers back to the office to help support surrounding businesses and boost D.C.’s economic recovery.”

Despite commercial occupancy losses during the pandemic, asking rates have remained comparatively stable. D.C. ranks as one of top 10 most expensive office markets in the country and among the top 50 most expensive office markets in the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Julie Karant 646-584-9001;  jkarant@seiu32bj.org

With more than 175,000 members in 12 states, including over 21,000 in the D.C. area and Baltimore, MD, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

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