WHEREAS, More than 3,000 security officers protect and secure Philadelphia residents, businesses, universities, hospitals, institutions and public facilities. Industry standards and working conditions are lower than comparable cities, particularly within the organizations that receive government contracts, grants, or subsidies. These conditions negatively affects the morale of officers who seek to maximize public safety; and
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the ten year period of 2008 to 2018, the number of jobs in the security industry will grow by ten percent, a growth trend that outpaces the average for all other occupations; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, private security firms are among the largest service industry employers. Current wages for security officers lag behind the wages of other industries, including maintenance workers, cleaners and drivers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and
WHEREAS, Private security officers should be able to exercise their right to organize with the labor union of his or her choice in order to attain family-sustaining wages, which will strengthen the current workforce and improve conditions in Philadelphia neighborhoods, and guarantee access to quality affordable health care to improve health outcomes; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Committee on Labor and Civil Service are hereby authorized to hold public hearings on industry practices for private security officers working across the City of Philadelphia concerning their right to join labor unions and organize for improved terms and working conditions.
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