SEIU Local 1 Held Press Conference Urging Playhouse Square to Support Cleveland’s Working Families

Cleveland, OHIO—  On Thursday, August 11 at 1:30 pm EST, SEIU Local 1 held a press conference outside of Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland - urging Playhouse Square to utilize a responsible security contractor and support workers' right to organize a union.  

For weeks, SEIU Local 1 and non-union security officers have contacted Playhouse Square in hopes of working cooperatively to improve the quality of life for Cleveland’s security officers as well as the quality of service for downtown tenants and clients. Unfortunately, Playhouse Square has refused to uphold Cleveland’s strong labor standards by utilizing Royce Security, an irresponsible security contractor with a long history of wage theft. 

Dozens of downtown security officers raised their voices and will continue to speak out until Playhouse Square upholds workers' rights to organize and have a fair process for union recognition.  

“Security officers with Royce Security who secure the Playhouse Square and other downtown properties have worked tirelessly to provide high-quality service and protection throughout the pandemic and beyond,” said SEIU Local 1 Ohio Director Yanela Sims. “It is unconscionable that these essential workers continue to ensure tenants, residents, and this community remain safe and secure, yet they lack fair wages and benefits that allow them to do the same for their own families. These workers deserve a voice on the job - they deserve a fair process for union recognition.”

“As a security officer here downtown, we are calling on Playhouse Square to use a responsible security contractor who will agree to a fair process for unionizing,” said Doug Szensek, a security officer at Playhouse Square. “Royce took away our vacation and the low wages they offer aren’t enough to make ends meet. We are forming a union so we can bargain for what we need and deserve.”