Philadelphia University Security Officers Rally for Better Wages and Working Conditions
PhilaU security officers and supporters rallied Tuesday at SchoolHouse Lane and Henry Ave. to demand better wages and working conditions from their employer, McGinn Security.
“When McGinn took over at PhilaU, we all got a $3 per hour pay cut. Now I struggle to pay my bills and have a difficult time finding people to watch my son because I can no longer afford childcare,” said security officer Erica Cody. “I am speaking out today for my future and my son’s future.”
In the fall of 2012, PhilaU switched from a responsible security contractor to McGinn Security. Despite past citations from the Department of Labor for failing to pay workers the minimum wage, McGinn continues to mistreat the 50 security officers that they employ at PhilaU.
Already struggling with a pay cut, Cody was tragically made a single mother two months ago when her boy-friend passed away. After his death Erica asked to take off a shift to care for her sick son. McGinn Security, her non-union employer, said no and instead disciplined her.
“My pay was held until I traveled across town to sign off on my write-up notice. I felt humiliated,” added Cody.
Cody is one of many security officers at PhilaU who feel underappreciated. Prior to the rally, a delegation of security officers attempted to deliver a petition to a PhilaU site supervisor demanding, “better pay, benefits and the respect we deserve.”
McGinn Security undermines area standards, paying officers in Philadelphia as little as $7.50 an hour, leaving officers and their families in poverty. PhilaU is one of the only universities in Philadelphia using an irresponsible contractor that does not respect officers’ rights.
“We perform an important job at PhilaU,” said Josette Bates, overnight security officer at PhilaU. “We are the first line of defense for these students. We just want to be treated fairly.”
Jaclyn
4:12 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Why don't they just quit and go work someplace else if they don't like the pay?
Amy
7:06 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
Students pay over $40,000 a year to Philly u. The officers protect them yet live in poverty. Something is wrong when you work full time yet still qualify for public assistance. Workers should be able to negotiate the terms of their labor.. That's how the middle class was formed in this country. It's not only about wages. No one wants to be treated unfairly or disrespected.
lillian
8:20 pm on Friday, February 22, 2013
My husband used to work for McGinn Security and they treated him the same way. If anybody reads this, DO NOT GO TO WORK FOR JOE MCGINN. He treats his people like poop to put it nicely. Stay away from MCGINN SECURITY.
MikeNutterButter
3:22 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
@Amy - I guess it all depends on you point of view. And mine being that of a student myself that paid high tuition 6-7yrs ago to get a masters degree to try to acquire skills for jobs that weren't as "replaceable". IMO, from what I've learned I'd have been much happier being a security guard on public assistance. You take 60k - student loans - higher taxes - low income tax breaks - public assistance = the same lifestyle of a security guard with 1,000x the stress
So If they're upset about it, well they can go to college to get a "better" job if they like, but I wouldn't recommend it. Or they could just quit and 100 people would line up to replace them....
Jaclyn
9:06 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Is being a "security guard" at a small local university a difficult job? Does it require unique skills and training?
Lee Ann
11:39 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Would you like to come to work and be told that from now on you make $3 less an hour.? How would you pay for food, shelter and care for your family. Jobs are not that easy to find now. Small local colleges and university's need the same security as big ones.
likeag6
9:13 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Poverty wages? You people are too ignorant to truthfully know what "poverty wages" are. People all around the world actually do much more work then you all with less pay. But none of you would understand that because you are too worried about your petty demands. Sad really. I used to work for him and I made $10, but I actually did something with myself and moved on to bigger and better things. You all know where the door is, don't let it hit you on the way out if you don't like the situation. Get some perspective
--ignorance is bliss