SEIU Gets a Deal on Taking In Security Guards

Eric Richardson

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — That SEIU rally the other day must have had an effect. The Times reports today on a deal between SEIU and Downtown property owner Robert Maguire brokered by the Mayor.

Union leaders said the participation of Maguire, one of the region's most influential developers, would bring other major property owners to the negotiating table. Generally, building owners, including Maguire, contract with security companies for the guard services. Those companies would need to agree to any new contract.

"We're going to move forward aggressively to get other building owners on board," said the SEIU's Jono Shaffer.

Maguire said he already pays security guards at his buildings more than do most other downtown property owners and he provides health benefits. He said that treating employees better attracts a more stable workforce and ultimately makes buildings safer.

It'll be interesting to see what effect, if any, this has on all the residential buildings that have to employ security.