St. Louis Board of Aldermen Support Security Officers Organizing a Union at Lambert International Airport
Resolution 223 was introduced and sponsored by Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer, and co-sponsored by Aldermen Shane Cohn, Cara Spencer, Bret Narayan, Daniela Velazquez, Alisha Sonnier, Michael Browning, Shameem Clark Hubbard, Rasheen Aldridge, and President Megan E Green
ST. LOUIS, MO - Today, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen passed Resolution 223 in support of contracted security officers working at Lambert International Airport for GardaWorld, who are organizing a Union in an effort to improve working conditions. Contracted security officers are a vital part of ensuring the safety of travelers and airport staff. The Resolution reads:
“WE FURTHER PAUSE IN OUR DELIBERATIONS to remind GardaWorld that it's the working people of St. Louis which fuels its operations. We implore upon GardaWorld to recognize their employees' request for a process towards unionization.”
The passing of Resolution 223 comes after security officers employed by GardaWorld at Lambert Airport alleged the company skirted the St. Louis Living Wage Ordinance (LWO) with substandard wages. The Board of Aldermen immediately responded by unanimously passing Board Bill 128 to amend the LWO and close any potential loophole, and as of today, Mayor Tishaura Jones has given her signature of approval. Comptroller Darlene Green supported Board Bill 128 and released a statement following its unanimous approval:
“Contractors performing work on city contracts covered by the LWO are obligated, by law, to pay workers the defined hourly rates. Those that choose not to follow the law, can be sanctioned by the city and may potentially be barred from city contracts.”
“Security officers employed at Lambert Airport are at the complete mercy of GardaWorld, one of the largest private security companies in the world. GardaWorld’s contract with the city expires in April and we want to make sure the city does business with a responsible contractor that respects the working people of our city,” said Chris Rak, SEIU Local 1 Vice President and Director of Missouri and Southern Illinois. “Security officers working for GardaWorld at Lambert Airport have the right to organize a union and deserve a voice on the job. Local 1 is proud to stand with these officers in demanding the respect they deserve.”
“Security officers at Lambert Airport are organizing a Union to improve their working conditions and the lives of their families. I’m proud to take a stand with them and will continue working with Local 1 to ensure that GardaWorld officers at Lambert are able to organize without any interference or retaliation by their employer,” said Resolution 223 lead sponsor Alderman Anne Schweitzer.