Twin Cities Security Guards Hold 1-Day Strike

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A Twin Cities union for security guards is on a one-day strike Wednesday after an agreement could not be reached with American Security.

One subcontractor did reach an agreement early Wednesday morning after 14 hours of negotiations, but six other employers didn't agree to the tentative deal. Security guards were out picketing early Wednesday in downtown Minneapolis, one day after retail clears were in the same spot protesting for higher wages and better working conditions.

The security guards are striking in response to what they consider unfair labor practices by their employers. Officials with SEIU Local 26 authorized the strike on Feb. 9 if a deal couldn't be reached.

The remaining employers – G4S, AlliedBarton, Securitas, Viking Security, ABM Security and Whelan – have yet to reach a reach an agreement with security officers. The members have been working without a contract since Dec. 31.