Over 60,000 security guards, who have little training or chance of promotion on the job, are currently employed by banks, shops and buildings throughout New York City. Although most of them receive only $6.50 per hour, they are the first line of defense in any dangerous situation.

The poor work conditions drew thousands of security officers, community organizers, immigrant advocacy groups, and religious and political figures to hold a press conference on November 14, at the Graduate Center of City University of New York.

“Most of the persons who have been affected by this issue are immigrants, mainly Latinos and African-Americans,” said Matt Nerzig, communications director of SEIU 32BJ, during an interview with the Super Express USA.

Nerzig added that there are also security officers who are of Eastern European descent, including Polish immigrants.

To sleep calmly

According to a report published by the Economic Policy Institute for SEIU 32BJ, 59 percent of the security officers are African-Americans, 14 percent Latino, and 22 percent white.

“These workers are taking care of the safety of people who work for a living in the buildings worth millions of dollars. But their voices are not heard, like beggars on the subway station,” said former New York City Mayor David Dinkins. “They are often the bread-winners of the family. Although we usually don’t think of them, we should thank them that we can sleep calmly.”

Old law

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the need for tighter security in New York City has been immensely growing rapidly, according to Dinkins, and security officers are always on the frontlines, because “tenants, offices, shops, employees and tourists depend on them.” They prepare the ground for the FDNY and NYPD. It’s the right time to recognize their work and dedication.”

Dinkins mentioned that the employment regulations for security guards were established before the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in 1993. Since then, the rules have not been changed.

Forget about promotions

For seven years, James Barnes has been working as a security guard in a building on Madison Avenue. “No promotion, no salary increase,” he said. “I earn $350 per week. My wife and five children depend financially on me. I couldn’t afford to pay the rent.”

In order to make ends meet, Barnes began working as a newspaper delivery man. Every day he delivers the paper from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., before heading to work as a security officer. This second job earns him an additional $235 a week.

“Security officers should not be compelled to have two jobs. They should earn enough,” said Local 32BJ Vice President Kyle Bragg.

Bragg added that another problem is that many security corporations do not provide proper professional trainings for the security officers, because the corporations want to save money.

“But when a situation that is dangerous to public arises, the security corporations would easily put the blame on security officers,” Bragg said.